Tips to Stay Relevant in Business Analysis

Don’t Wait to Be Discovered—Move with Intention, Not Permission! If you’re a business analysis professional waiting for someone to hand you your next opportunity, it’s time to flip the script. Career growth doesn’t come from waiting in the wings—it comes from stepping into the arena. That means volunteering for stretch assignments, raising your hand for new initiatives, pursuing certifications, and proactively shaping your path. Here are 3 smart steps to start building a career that moves you forward: 🔹 Be visible. Join professional communities, speak up in meetings, and showcase your work. People can’t support your growth if they don’t know what you’re capable of. 🔹 Keep learning. Whether it’s formal education, self-paced courses, or real-world projects—stay curious and build the skills that tomorrow’s roles will demand. 🔹 Pursue aligned opportunities. Not every open door leads somewhere meaningful. Be intentional about roles and projects that align with the impact you want to make. Early in my career, I took initiative by reaching out to a young organization called IIBA. That single action led to decades of opportunity—volunteering, leading the development of BABOK Guide, v3 shaping numerous global standards, and mentoring professionals across the world. Your next step won’t look exactly like mine—but the principle is the same. Own your career. Explore, contribute, and be endlessly curious. This profession rewards those who take initiative. 👉 For inspiration on how business analysis can lead to incredible, diverse opportunities, check out my latest feature in IIBA’s Business Analysis Blueprint: https://lnkd.in/gfpAXihA 👉 And if you're ready to take action, my course Building a Successful Business Analysis Career on LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start. Let’s stop waiting for doors to open—and start building our careers, because you already hold the keys. I’m tagging a few outstanding business analysis mentors and coaches (and there are many) who can help you reach your career goals. Follow them, connect with their work, and explore their LinkedIn Learning courses, books, and podcasts —they’re valuable voices in our field. We’re part of an incredible community. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we grow, lead, and thrive together. Angela Wick Jamie Champagne Laura Brandenburg, ACBA, CBAP Yulia Kosarenko Susan A. Moore, CBAP, AAC, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP #BusinessAnalysis #BusinessAnalyst #IIBA #CareerDevelopment 

Want to Future-Proof Your Career in Just 30 Minutes a Day? Here’s How I Did It—And How You Can Too. Let me tell you a quick story. Few years ago, I realized I was coasting. I had decades of experience—but the world was shifting fast. AI, automation, remote leadership… and I was behind. So I made a decision: 30 minutes a day. Every day. I would build one on-demand skill at a time. Digital tools. Strategic analysis. Data literacy. Personal branding. Each one stacked on the next. Why? Because I didn’t want to just stay relevant—I wanted to stay valuable. I didn’t want to hope I was making an impact. I wanted proof. And you can do the same. Here’s what worked (and why it will work for you): 📚 Best Resources to Develop On-Demand Skills • LinkedIn Learning – Courses on leadership, project management, and data tools. (Search: “How to develop business analysis skills for operations”) • Coursera/edX – Certifications from Google, Wharton, and IBM. (Use long-tail keywords like “free project management courses with certificate”) • YouTube Channels like Ali Abdaal, Crash Course, and BetterExplained – Bite-sized, well-researched tutorials. • Skillshare – Perfect for creative professionals and side hustlers. • BONUS: Join free communities on Reddit and Discord for live feedback and peer review. How to Track Your Progress and Prove Your Value • Use a Skills Tracker spreadsheet. List every course, project, and reflection. • Log what you’ve applied—not just what you’ve watched. • Create a “Value Portfolio” – Highlight projects that show measurable outcomes. Ex: “Reduced processing time by 40% using Airtable automation after completing a Zapier workshop.” • Build public proof: Post on LinkedIn weekly. (It builds trust and a trail of credibility.) Turn New Skills Into Real Career Opportunities • Reverse-engineer job postings with long-tail keyword searches like “remote data analyst jobs requiring no degree.” • Match your newly gained skills with specific employer pain points. (Tip: Use tools like Jobscan to optimize your resume for ATS.) • Use your “value portfolio” in interviews. Show, don’t tell. • Get into informational interviews—ask: “What skills made you stand out in your role?” Then align. Because companies aren’t just hiring resumes anymore. They’re hiring results. If you can show: • “Here’s the skill I built,” • “Here’s how I applied it,” and • “Here’s the measurable outcome”… You stand out instantly. Set a Goal: 5 New Skills. 90 Days. Track them. Share them. Apply them. Whether you’re in leadership, operations, marketing, or starting fresh—this strategy qualifies you as someone serious about leveling up, not coasting. If you’re a mid-career professional wondering if it’s too late? It’s not. I’m living proof. Let’s grow on purpose. #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #CoachingForSuccess

Navigating the complex world of being a Business Analyst can be challenging and rewarding! In my experience, here are a few key tips to excel in this dynamic role. 🌟 1. Understand the Business 📊 BusinessAnalysis is all about helping businesses/orgs change for the better, you MUST understand what metrics drive the industry, organization, and the users. 2. Understand the Tech 🖥️ This doesn't mean you need to code! And, you do not need to know how the tech works in detail. To be effective, an understanding of the technology capabilities you're working and the limitations can help you analyze, design, and communicate more effectively with your stakeholders, and tech teams. 3. Sharpen Your Communication Skills 🗣️ Clear communication is your superpower. Whether it’s translating complex technical concepts into business terms or conveying user needs to software developers, your ability to articulate information clearly and persuasively is key. 4. Develop Problem-Solving Skills 🔍 Projects are often complex and full of unforeseen challenges. Being able to think critically and creatively to solve problems as they arise is what sets apart great business analysts. 5. Embrace Agility 🏃 Business and Technology is fast-paced and ever-changing. Embracing change, pivoting, and adapting while delivering value is where the magic lies. 6. Keep Learning 📚 Everything around us is evolving constantly; staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and methodologies is essential. Continuous learning is not just a necessity; it's a strategy to ensure relevance and excellence. Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences as a Business Analyst! What challenges have you faced, and what strategies have you found most effective? #BusinessAnalysis Feel free to share your stories or ask questions in the comments below! Let’s learn and grow together. 💬