So, you’re a business analyst or are interesting in becoming a business analyst. Do you know how to diagram a workflow or write a use case? Are you familiar with system integration for businesses? What about discovering requirements as a business analyst? Don’t worry if you answered no to any of these.
I’m Laura Brandenburg, CEO, and founder of Bridging the Gap, an online business analyst training and certification provider helping you become a confident business analyst. On this business analysis channel, we provide consistent business analyst videos to keep you on track to success in your business analyst career. You’ll find videos on entity relationship diagrams, mistakes to avoid as a business analyst, business analyst techniques and strategies for your next project, and other business analysis tips and tricks.
Want to know what the business analyst experience is like, and what makes a good business analyst? Success starts with you, so subscribe to our channel today!
Absolutely Laura ! I'm eagerly anticipating the forthcoming video content centered around AI Ethics for BAs. 🎥 Thank you so much, Laura, for being my invaluable virtual BA companion! 🤖 Warm regards, AI Powered Business Analyst (BA)
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🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎯 Introduction and Purpose* - Introduction by Laura Brandenburg, - Overview of the key question: skills needed for a business analyst, - Preview of the video structure: core skills, business analysis skills, softer skills. 01:19 *💬 Core Skills* - Importance of communication skills, - Role of problem-solving and critical thinking, - Essential foundational skills for a successful business analyst. 03:23 *🛠️ Business Analysis Skills* - Analysis and communication techniques, - Business, software, and information levels of requirements, - Key techniques: process maps, use cases, data modeling. 06:41 *🧩 Business Analysis Process* - Overview of an eight-step business analysis process, - From project initiation to assessing the project's success, - Emphasis on continuous support and evaluation. 07:36 *🤝 Soft Skills* - Importance of relationship building and self-management, - Managing ambiguity and handling feedback, - Key personal attributes for success in business analysis. 10:20 *🛠️ Specialized Skills and Technical Knowledge* - Technical skills vs. business analysis skills, - Role of methodologies and industry/domain expertise, - Balance between technical and business expertise for a holistic approach. 13:22 *🌟 Leveraging Background Experience* - Using domain experience to transition into business analyst roles, - Value of generalist vs. specialist experience, - Building confidence to work across various domains. 15:12 *📊 Skills in Different Job Titles* - Business analysis skills in various roles, - Importance of focusing on skills over job titles, - Encouragement to explore non-traditional business analyst roles. 16:07 *🎓 Conclusion and Further Resources* - Summary of key points, - Invitation to free training and courses for deeper learning, - Emphasis on individual success and growth in the business analyst career. Made with HARPA AI
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Not really. It felt that way at the time, but in reality I'd been doing business analysis under a different title which got me noticed for a BA role - that's the point I am sharing in this video.
Remote Analyst in Houston. Missed the training but im here. One of your students and very appreciative for you sharing this and all the great information we are blessed to get. Your endeavors are not in vain.
You are so welcome! Business process mapping is a visual model, like a workflow diagram, which I showed in this video. They tend to be higher-level and do not include as much detail. A procedure would typically be textual and very detailed - like a step by step instruction manual for a user to execute the process.
Here's a link to the form to download: www.bridging-the-gap.com/uctemplate/ If this doesn't work, please contact us at info@bridging-the-gap.com and we'll help you trouble shoot!
Thanks for your encouragement! I'm in a phase of content creation where I'm updating a lot of our blog content. I'm also hosting LI/YT lives, which is a great way to stay connected and receive more guidance from me.
I was writing Use Cases before they were cool. Your presentation was a great explanation of the tool. We wrote them in workshops with the customer, technical lead, and facilitator. Our first step would be a brainstorming session to identify the Use Cases. They had to be named noun-verb as you said in the video. Once we had the list, we would go through the process of filling out the Use Case Form. When that task was complete, the technical team decomposed the system using Sequence Diagrams to lay out the top-level system design. The test team used them to begin writing their top-level test plans. This material would be used to put together the project plan. They are indeed a very powerful tool.
There was a time when use cases weren't cool?!? Says who? 🙂 This sounds like a great approach, and very engaging with the end users, to ensure they got what they wanted and needed out of the project!
@@BridgingtheGapBA It was back in the 90s, and I knew a number of people who thought the idea was another gimmick. I did too, at first. End users took ownership and became good partners in the development phase. The noun-verb structure of the use cases made it very easy for the entire team to talk about the project. It is good stuff. Thanks to you for a good presentation.
@@BridgingtheGapBA Yes, my resume is fine which is why I've been getting requests but it just hit me that although I'm giving the "right" answers, as you said it doesnt read as credible unless I add real actual experience. le sigh...lol
My favorite is not understanding the system because the business process isn’t clear. The last try I tried the big bold statement I was let go. Clients can be crazy
There are certainly risks with any way you handle situations like this. And I'm so sorry you had this experience. The reality is, the outcome may have been the same if you moved forward with an unclear understanding of the business process. Some clients just don't get how to leverage a business analyst.
Notes: Key Skills for Business Analyst Success: 1. Communication: Being a great communicator is crucial. You need to express yourself well verbally, in writing, and visually. 2. Problem-Solving: Solving business problems is a big part of the job. You must understand the issues, think critically, and find effective solutions. 3. Critical Thinking: It's about analyzing problems, evaluating solutions, and making sure you're on the right track. 4. Specific Business Analysis Skills: Requirements Analysis: Understanding business, software, and information needs is essential. Communication Techniques: Knowing how to analyze, discover, and communicate requirements is key. Soft Skills for Success: Relationship Building: Building trust with stakeholders is important for collaboration. Self-Management: Planning, organizing, and managing your time effectively is crucial. Handling Ambiguity: Being able to turn confusion into clarity is a valuable skill. Additional Useful Skills: Technical Skills: Understanding coding and software systems can be beneficial. Methodologies: Familiarity with agile, Six Sigma, and other methodologies can be advantageous. Industry/Domain Expertise: Having knowledge in specific areas like insurance, accounting, or marketing can give you an edge. Continuous Learning: Being open to learning and adapting to different business domains is key to success as a business analyst. Thank you for the video @Bridging the Gap
It seems that a lot of content is based in a world of development, a lot of time companies want off the shelf products and don't have the resource or technical capability to develop in house. It would be good to see more content focused on these situations, I'm sure you may have this covered somewhere, I'll have to have a look!
Exciting opportunity to amplify the voice of business analysis and tackle challenges in communication and perception! Looking forward to gaining practical strategies and insights from Adrian Reed and Christina Lovelock. Count me in for the dynamic conversation!
I am using it for me to create user stories in the required format where I provide the exact feature to the GPT and it creates a formatted story which obviously needs review and corrections.
This was super helpful, thank you! I’m earning my master’s in Data Science and generally loving what I’m learning, but been having the realization that I’m not the biggest fan of the general environment of it for working purposes. I think I’m better fit for the “typical” BA position for sure, so going to switch my self-study to more of a focus on that
Laura wrote a bit more about this in her LinkedIn newsletter article here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-overlook-getting-business-onboard-laura-brandenburg-acba-cbap/ Each of the 8 steps is also ocvered in depth in the BA Essentials Master Class. Find out more about the BA training options offered by BTG here: www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analyst-training-courses/
I would assume that bi role is less dependent on numerous meetings with stakeholders? I have been a junior ba, but now on maternity leave and will be for about 3 more years... from 0 kids to 3 in 2 years😂twins+singleton coming. So my career will be reset. Thinking that more tech direction may be more suitable and I'll have time to study, but not enough to work yet....
Congrats on your growing family! I would think a more data-focused role may have less stakeholder interaction and more independent work time, but I think it may depend on the organization and focus of the role.
@BridgingtheGapBA thank you for the congratulations and your opinion! Your videos helped me become a BA among other resources, very useful and highly appreciated ❤️
Hi, I’ve been a QA tester for the last 5 years and wanting to upgrade to BA. This video is very helpful! I know the job market currently isn’t great but, we’ll get through it. Please provide any additional information that helps me get started on this path. Thank you!
Tony, You are in a great position to start exploring a BA career. Remember - you only need ONE opportunity, so the market is just the market. Be sure to subscribe to our channel for more videos, and also check out our FREE Quick Start to Success Workshop: www.bridging-the-gap.com/quick And when you are ready to go deep, Laura offers an in-depth training program called The Business Analyst Blueprint.
Having BAs create or maintain a glossary of terms, whether in the document or independently is also a great way to force them to be more critical of how they use terms in their documentation.
