Transitions

TRANSITIONS

Webster’s definition of the word transition is, “n. change from one state to another”.  I’ve worked a variety of IT positions within the past 20 years.  Ten years in the Navy as a Radioman, the following ten, in a variety of helpdesk/communication technician positions.

One very important lesson I’ve learned in the IT field is that you need to stay “relevent”.  Keeping up to date on the latest technologies is a “must have” in order to thrive and advance within this field.

I’ve stayed stagnant, becoming complacent with the small promotional advances I made.  Comfortable in the fact that my minor pay increases  still allowed me the means to support my family. 

Although I’ve gone through many transitions within my personal life (marriage, divorce, parenting), my professional life merely “coasted” along.

Today,  I decided to break out of my “humdrum” professional existence and not only make myself “relevent”,  but find a niche within the IT community that embraces both my analytical  and communication skills.

The field of study that appeals to me is that of the BUSINESS ANALYST.  The business analyst is defined as one who can  analyze the organization and design of businesses, government departments, and non-profit organizations; BAs also assess business models and their integration with technology.  According to Wikipedia, there are four tiers of a business analysts:

1. Planning Strategically – The analysis of the organization’s strategic business needs
2. Operating/Business Model Analysis – The definition and analysis of the organization’s policies and market business approaches
3. Process Definition and Design – The business process modeling (often developed through process modeling and design)
4. IT/Technical Business Analysis – The interpretation of business rules and requirements for technical systems (generally IT)

So, I pose the question, how does one gain the educational background and hands on experience to become a successful Business Analysts?  My intent with this blog is to chronicle the steps that I’ve taken,share the  knowledge that I’ve gained, and upload tidbits that I’ve picked up along the way to somehow aid  and answer the question.

Welcome to the “macmamachronicles”. – MD