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		<title>What Software Do I Learn to Become A Business Analyst?</title>
		<link>http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/10/20/what-software-do-i-learn-to-become-a-business-analyst/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:16:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ITCareerCoach</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[[Ask IT Career Coach] is a Career Advice Newsletter for Information Technology (IT) professionals including business analysts, computer programmers, data analysts, database developers, technical writers, project managers and software testers. If you, have a challenging question about your career, submit it here and we will answer yours just as we are answering this question submitted [...]]]></description>
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<div id="attachment_3324" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 435px"><img src="http://www.it-career-coach.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/what-software-do-you-learn-to-become-a-business-analyst.jpg" alt="what software should you-learn to become a business analyst?" title="what software should you-learn to become a business analyst?" width="425" height="282" class="size-full wp-image-3324" /><p class="wp-caption-text">what software should you-learn to become a business analyst?</p></div>
<blockquote><p><a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/ask-it-career-coach/" target="_blank" title="ASk IT Career Coach"><b>[Ask IT Career Coach]</b></a> is a Career Advice Newsletter for Information Technology (IT) professionals including business analysts, computer programmers, data analysts, database developers, technical writers, project managers and software testers.</p>
<p>If you, have a challenging question about your career, <a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/ask-it-career-coach/" target="_blank" title="submit a question"><b>submit it here</b></a> and we will answer yours just as we are answering this question submitted by a technical writer titled: <b>What Software Do I Learn to Become A Business Analyst?</b> &#8230;</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Question</h3>
<p>How do I learn or get the software knowledge that would make me a business analyst?</p>
<p>What types of software programs will I have to use on the job; and how do I learn these programs in a visual manner without having to refer to textbooks?</p>
<h3>Answer:</h3>
<p>You do not understand what a business analyst does and because of that you are mixing software jobs (like that of a computer programmer&#8217;s) with the business analyst&#8217;s job.</p>
<p>This mix-up is quite common because software oriented jobs are more common and better understood than business analyst jobs.</p>
<blockquote><p>When you think of a computer programmer&#8217;s job, the picture that comes to mind is that of a highly skilled technology savvy professional who spends a lot of time <em>building software programs, creating data entry forms and screens, designing websites or even installing desktop applications</em>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><em>Unfortunately, when you think of business analysts, you also imagine that their duties or tasks are similar to those of computer programmers!</em></p>
<p>Because of this, you are wrongly associating the business analyst&#8217;s career with more software / technology careers like <strong>software testing, technical writing or computer programming</strong>.</p>
<blockquote><p>So, in TODAY&#39;S POST, I will contrast the role of a software tester, computer programmer, technical writer and business analyst to bring the point home.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>What Does A Business Analyst Really Do?</h3>
<p>The primary skills that business analysts use on the job are communication skills<br />
(both written and verbal) unlike computer programmers, whose primary skills are tied to <em>expertise in specific technologies like C#, Visual Basic, Java, PHP</em>.</p>
<p>Business Analysts are highly-skilled or expert at <strong>communicating technology requirements</strong> with stakeholders, customer, power users or even technical teams (think software developers, software testers, web designers). </p>
<p>The primary communication tools used by business analysts while facilitating the requirements engineering process are<em> Office productivity tools</em> including <em>Microsoft Word (for documenting requirements), Microsoft PowerPoint (for making presentations) and Microsoft Excel</em>.</p>
<blockquote><p>However, unlike computer programmer jobs, business analyst jobs are not required to be software or technology centered.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Don&#8217;t get me wrong!</strong></p>
<p>Some job postings for business analysts require knowledge of software development languages like C# or Java or a software development background.</p>
<p>The business analysts that apply for these job postings are more accurately classified as <strong>Technical Business Analysts</strong>.</p>
<p>There are several <strong>domains</strong> or <strong>specializations</strong> available to business analysts (<em>mortgage, financial, telecommunications / telco, automotive, healthcare, insurance</em>) and technical business analysis is just one of these domains.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/07/19/how-important-is-domain-knowledge-for-a-business-analyst/" target="_blank" title="how important is domain knowledge for a business analyst?"><b>Read more about domain business analysts here:</b></a></p>
<p>However, the requirements for domain business analysts are not the same as the requirement for becoming a business analyst.</p>
<p>You are a business analyst first before you become a technical / domain business analyst.</p>
<p>So, don&#8217;t apply the role, responsibilities and requirements for the technical business analysis domain to all business analyst domains.</p>
<p>Competence or mastery of Microsoft Office Productivity software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is a requirement for business analyst jobs even when it is not stated on the job posting.</p>
<blockquote><p>A business analyst who uses Office Productivity software can document requirements with Microsoft Word, make PowerPoint presentations and run what-if analysis using Microsoft Excel.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Focusing on software skills beyond Microsoft Office software makes you more of a computer programmer than a business analyst.</p>
<p><strong>For your information, here are some of the differences between computer programmer jobs and business analyst jobs.</strong></p>
<h3> Business Analysts Compared To Computer Programmers</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Business Analysts gather requirements while computer programmers build to specifications.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Business Analysts document work flows and business processes while computer programmers model and build software programs that follow those workflows or business processes.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Business analyst are hired for their written and verbal communication skills while computer programmers are hired for their expertise or skills in specific programming languages or technology platforms.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A computer programmer&#39;s work is deeply invested in learning or using technology while a business analyst&#8217;s work is deeply invested in understanding, documenting and communicating business requirements.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>A business analyst&#8217;s primary software tool is Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint while a computer programmer&#8217;s primary software skill is knowledge of Java or C# or Visual Basic or PHP or other programming languages.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Business Analysts document the requirements or features of software programs while computer programmers build software programs.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Both the business analyst and software developer are involved with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for different reasons. <em>While the business analyst owns the analysis and documentation of software requirements, the computer programmers owns the building of software programs.</em></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/09/23/which-software-development-life-cycle-is-best/" title="which software development life cycle is best?" target="_bank"><b>Read more about the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) here:</b> </a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>I am also going to contrast the role of business analysts with that of software testers and technical writers to bring this home.</p></blockquote>
<h3>Business Analysts Compared To Software Testers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Software Testers are more hands-on with programming than business analysts.</p>
<p>Software Testers are more skilled in programming because they sometimes have to write automated tests using scripting programming languages.</p>
<p>A business analyst should not be required to write scripts or learn programming languages except in instances where they are applying for technical business analyst jobs.</p>
<blockquote><p>So, you cannot project the hands-on software skills requirements for software testers onto the hands-on skill requirements for business analysts.</p>
</blockquote>
</li>
<li>Software Testers write manual or automated tests that verify that software programs developed by computer programmers were written according to the specifications or requirements documented by business analysts.</li>
<li>Software Testers have to test or inspect the procedures or functions written by computer programmers.
<p>For that reason, they may have to learn the basics of the programming language used in creating the software program.</p>
<p>There is almost no value in business analysts inspecting a programmer&#8217;s code or even messing with it because Business Analysts do not have those competencies!</p>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/14/the-job-of-software-testing-quality-assurance-career/" title="the job of software testing / quality assurance" target="_blank"><b>Read more about Software Tester Careers here:</b></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Business Analysts Compared To Technical Writers</h3>
<ul>
<li>The skills exercised by technical writers are similar to that of business analysts in some respects.
<p>Both technical writers and business analysts exercise strong written communication skills.</p>
<blockquote><p>
However, while a technical writer&#8217;s skill is useful for documenting the features of a software program after it is built, a business analyst&#8217;s skill is useful for documenting the features of a software program before it is built!</p></blockquote>
</li>
<li>A technical writer&#8217;s primary role is the documenting of existing software features, business processes, etc.
<p>Because of this, a technical writer may have to learn specific software programs (apart from MS Word or PowerPoint) to help them with create technical documentation like Help Files, Software Manuals, etc.</p>
<p>The technical writing industry is such that job postings require knowledge of specific software documentation tools.</p>
<p>However, this must not be confused with the software requirements for business analysts.</p>
<p><strong>Business Analysts are not technical writers</strong> and the business analyst&#8217;s job does not require knowledge of specific software programs apart from the ubiquitous (Microsoft Office, MS Word, MS Excel or MS PowerPoint).</p>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote><p>While the technical writing industry is componentized along the lines of software documentation tools (Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Frame Maker, Adobe Acrobat, Quark Xpress, Corel Ventura), the business analyst industry is segmented along the lines of domain specialization (financial, utilities, web / user interface (UI) business analysts, etc.).</p></blockquote>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/07/19/how-to-become-a-technical-writer/" title="how to become a technical writer" target="_blank"><b>Read More about Technical Writer Careers:</b></a> </li>
</ul>
<h3>What Does It Really Take To Become A Business Analyst?</h3>
<p>The requirements for business analysts&#8217; jobs are primarily documentation, requirements analysis and communication (both written and verbal).</p>
<p>While it is common for a business analyst to spend his / her time, preparing PowerPoint presentations, taking meeting notes using Microsoft Word or writing Use Cases in plain-old Microsoft Word, it is common for a computer programmer / software tester / technical writer to spend the same amount of time coding new program features / documenting bugs / documenting the features of a software program.</p>
<blockquote><p>A business analyst must be 100% comfortable in his / her role as a communicator, presenter, leader, facilitator or analyzer without feeling the need to learn more software tools!</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>How To Get Hired For A Business Analyst Job &#8211; Case Study</h3>
<p>Some time ago, I was hired to help an Information Technology (IT) director put together a software development team for a financial software project in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.</p>
<p>In that role, we posted a senior business analyst job opening and then started interviewing qualified business analysts.</p>
<p>The business analyst I interviewed and recommended got the job because she did something different from the other business analysts who applied for the same job.</p>
<blockquote><p>She walked into the interview with a bound, spiral document that showcased the comprehensiveness, thoroughness and versatility of several business documents she had created for one automotive client in the Greater Saint Louis region.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>She did not get hired because of what she said at the business analyst job interview or because of the software experience listed on her resume.</p>
<p>She got the business analyst job, by showcasing her hands-on business analysis skills.</p>
<p><strong>What differentiated her was a compilation of various types of business analysis documents she had worked on for an automotive client in the Greater Saint Louis area.</strong></p>
<p>The financial client hired her as an Information Technology (IT) business analyst for a financial software project because they connected with the <em>hands-on, visual depiction</em> of her business analysis skills exemplified by her Microsoft Word based portfolio.</p>
<p>
<b>My final advice?</b></p>
<p>Don&#8217;t approach the business analyst industry based on how the software testing, technical writing or computer programmer industries work.</p>
<p>Remove false associations between the business analyst&#8217;s role (primarily written and verbal analysis or communication of requirements) and the hands-on skill requirements for software testers, technical writers or computer programmers.</p>
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		<title>Bridging the Gap between Business and IT: The Case for Business Analysts</title>
		<link>http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/07/03/bridging-the-gap-between-business-experience-ba-training/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ITCareerCoach</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[In some organizations, the technical lead or senior software developer is also asked to gather, analyze or document the software development requirements. This may be the case when: Cowboy Coding -The Organization has not fully embraced any formal software development methodology Cost Cutting -The manager wants to cut costs by not hiring for full-time business [...]]]></description>
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<p><div id="attachment_2941" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><img src="http://www.it-career-coach.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/bridging_the_gap_business_analysts.jpg" alt="bridging the gap for business analysts" title="bridging the gap for business analysts" width="400" height="300" class="size-full wp-image-2941" /><p class="wp-caption-text">business analysts build bridges</p></div>
<p>In some organizations, the <strong>technical lead</strong> or <strong>senior software developer</strong> is also asked to gather, analyze or document the software development requirements.</p>
<p><i>This may be the case when:</i></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Cowboy Coding</em> -The Organization has not fully embraced any formal software development methodology</li>
<li><em>Cost Cutting</em> -The manager wants to cut costs by not hiring for full-time business analysts</li>
<li><em>Role Differentiation</em> &#8211; The IT / Software Development manager combines the business analyst role into the software development role</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p>But, does combining the business analyst and software development role work or is it better to hire full-time business analysts for your team?</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>Making A Case For Business Analysts</h1>
<p>The traditional or core business analysis skills including software requirements documentation, systems modeling, UML and Use Cases are also required for senior software developer or architect positions.</p>
<p>While business analysts are not computer programmers, their skills have roots in traditional systems analysis or software development career paths.</p>
<p>For example, Skills like UML or Use Cases in particular are also used by software architects in modeling and solution architecture.
</p>
<p>With this in mind, some managers are taking the position that traditional software developers are also suited for business analysis duties. And because of this position, they do not see the need for hiring business analysts.</p>
<blockquote><p>This article examines the case for hiring full-time business analysts for your projects.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>Computer Programmers Are Not Business Analysts</h1>
<p>While software developers sometimes take on some business analyst roles, they are still not business analysts.</p>
<p>Because there are fundamental differences between the mindset of computer programmers and that of business analysts.</p>
<p>Computer programmers spend most of their time designing computer algorithms or coding software routines while business analysts spend most of their time talking to customers, stakeholders and developers. </p>
<blockquote><p>In other words, while computer programmers are competent at talking to machines, business analysts are skilled at talking to people!</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Let&#8217;s look at more justifications for hiring full-time business analysts for your organization.</p>
<h1>Bridging The Gap Between Business And IT</h1>
<p>There is a fundamental gap between business and IT which often leads to project failure.</p>
<p>Software development teams often miss, drift away or ignore business demands, needs and requirements because they spend most of their working time studying or solving technical / information technology problems. </p>
<p>And business units (marketing, operations, sales, customer service, etc.) often do not care enough about or take the time to understand the constraints of technology.</p>
<blockquote><p>Because they are <strong>like polar opposites</strong>, there is a fundamental gap between business and technology which requires the <i>intervention of a third-party</i> &#8230; the business analyst.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>Most IT Projects Fail, Will Yours?</h1>
<p>Statistics suggest that more than 50% of software development / IT projects fail. They fail because of poor communication, cost / budget overruns and poor requirements or a weak business case.</p>
<p>While these statistics make a depressing study, they also point that most I.T. projects are at a risk of failing from inception if they are not planned or executed properly.</p>
<blockquote><p>That is perhaps the best case for hiring full-time business analyst resources for your IT / software project &#8230; <b>business analysts can help mitigate or reduce the risk of project failure</b>.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>Can Business Analysts Reduce IT Project Failure Rates?</h1>
<p><i>Hiring full-time business analysts can help mitigate or reduce the risk of project failure by</i>:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Creating a <strong>clear or convincing business case</strong> for your project management or stakeholder team</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Creating a <strong>clear, concise, complete set of business requirements</strong> which can be used by project managers for estimation and budgeting or by quality assurance and software development teams</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Bridging the business to IT gap by improving the communication between the two business units through effective written and oral communication skills</p>
</li>
</ol>
<blockquote><p>There is a significant risk that your IT Project would fail due to a weak business case, poorly defined requirements, lack of stakeholder engagement etc.</p>
<p>So do your project a favor and hire full-time consulting or permanent business analysts for your IT projects.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>How To Find Or Hire Good Business Analysts</h1>
<p>The options for finding full-time business analysts are limited to re-training existing staff in business analysis or hiring full-time business analysts from recruiters and job portals like LinkedIn and Dice.com.</p>
<blockquote><p>One benefit of retraining existing team members in business analysis is to avoid costs of hiring additional staff. On the other hand, one advantage of hiring new business analysts is that they are guaranteed to hit the ground running.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you decide to keep costs low by using or retraining your current IT team (quality assurance analysts, software developers or technical writers) in business analysis, do this:</p>
<p>Focus on re-training team members who have demonstrated some talent or interest in meeting or working with stakeholders, customers and users or in documenting requirements</p>
<p><a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/shopping-cart/business_analyst_boot_camp.html" target="_blank"><b>Then retrain or sharpen your team&#8217;s business analysis skills using this resource</b></a> &#8230; that way, your team can hit the ground running or bring new business analysis skills to bear on your project.</p>
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		<title>Career Tip for Senior Business Analysts: Become The Lead Business Analyst!</title>
		<link>http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/06/10/career-tip-for-senior-business-analysts-become-the-lead-business-analyst/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:49:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ITCareerCoach</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[This post answers questions received from senior business analysts asking about how to carve out an upwardly mobile career path in their company or organization. The answers in this post are presented as tips, solutions or ideas for business analysts looking towards a better career path. If you have a question about your business analyst [...]]]></description>
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<p><div id="attachment_2930" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 436px"><img src="http://www.it-career-coach.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/career-tips-for-senior-BAs.jpg" alt="Career Tip For Senior BAs: Become The Lead BA" title="Career Tip For Senior BAs: Become The Lead BA" width="426" height="282" class="size-full wp-image-2930" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Career Tip For Senior BAs: Become The Lead BA</p></div>This post answers questions received from senior business analysts asking about <em>how to carve out an upwardly mobile career path</em> in their company or organization.</p>
<p>The answers in this post are presented as <strong>tips, solutions or ideas</strong> for business analysts looking towards a <em>better career path</em>.</p>
<p>If you have a question about your business analyst career, be sure to post it as a comment on this post and I will be glad to answer it for you.</p>
<p><em>Here are the tips for business analysts looking for a better career path</em>:</p>
<h1>Should Business Analysts Test Software Applications?</h1>
<blockquote>
<p>In my department, analysts are mainly used for testing applications.</p>
<p>I know that there is more to this than testing applications.</p>
<p>What skills sets would you suggest I gain in order to become a top notch analyst?&quot;</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Should Business Analysts Test Software Applications?</b></p>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>While business analyst are not full-fledged software testers, some organizations do require business analysts to test their software applications, oversee the testing process or collaborate closely with the QA / Software Testing Team.</li>
<li>When business analysts test software applications, they usually perform a form of testing known as <strong>Usability Testing, Functional or Acceptance Testing</strong>.</li>
<li>Business Analysts are sometimes asked to test software applications because they are the custodians of the customer, project or software requirements and so as such, need to confirm that the product or solution meets documented requirements.</li>
<li>However business analysts are sometimes asked to test solutions (and not just software components) because their company is short on QA staff and are merging both the QA / Software Testers duties into that of the business analysts!</li>
<li><strong>Note:</strong> there is a lot more to the art of software testing than <em>usability, functional or acceptance testing</em>. These other other forms of testing may require <em>scripting or automated tools and</em> are not usually required of business analysts.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h1>What Is The Future For Senior Business Analysts?</h1>
<blockquote>
<p>The toughest challenge facing me is the transition from Senior Business Analyst to Lead Analyst.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>The Future / Career Path for Senior Business Analysts:</b></p>
<p>There is a real career path for senior business analysts. This career path comes with new <strong>titles</strong>, <strong>additional duties / roles</strong> or <strong>recognition (formal / informal)</strong> depending on the organization.</p>
<p>To start with, there is no common way of showing the seniority or lead position of a lead business analyst</p>
<p>In some organizations, the lead business analyst is the <strong>most senior</strong> or <strong>experienced</strong> person on the team and not necessarily the most educated.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The position of the lead business analyst is sometimes given informally when a manager refers other business analysts to the lead and / or identifies the BA as such.</p>
</blockquote>
<ol>
<li>If you are intent on being the lead business analyst, strive to distinguish yourself over a period of time by the <em>quality of your work</em>, the <em>depth of your knowledge and expertise</em> and your <em>commitment to delivering</em> excellent business results.</li>
<li>Study the lead business analyst and start learning whatever it is they bring to the table that you presently don&#8217;t.</li>
<li>In many organizations, the title of lead business analyst is earned over time because the lead business analyst has to have a strong understanding the business / organization. <strong>My advice is this</strong>: <em>Be patient and hunker down for the long haul</em>.</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>
<p>Remember the<strong> Kaizen principle, </strong>which is used to achieve an outstanding result by delivering smaller but consistent, qualitative improvements over a longer period of time.</p>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Start identifying the issues that your users have. Demonstrate to your manager that you have the analysis skills to take on the lead business analyst role.</li>
<li>Increase your output when it comes to problem-solving on the project. Make yourself available and visible to users instead of shying away from contact with them.</li>
<li>Get as much additional training as you can afford and channel all your efforts to becoming a better business analyst by learning everything that you can about business analysis.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you gain new skills or demonstrate additional abilities on the job, you will position yourself for more responsibility … even that of the lead business analyst.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Finally, becoming a lead business analyst has a lot to do with <strong>demonstrating outstanding leadership skills</strong>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It is not just what you know (<em>knowledge alone is not enough for this role</em>) but how well you can <strong>step out</strong> <strong>of your box</strong> to help your fellow business analysts, team or company.</p>
<p>Learn how to demonstrate exceptional <em>leadership, communication. coaching and mentoring skills</em> in addition to your traditional business analysis skills and you will stand out from other senior business analysts or your peers!</p>
<h1>What Is The Career Path for IT Business Analysts?</h1>
<blockquote>
<p>I need help. My company is considering creating specialist areas for the Business Analyst in IT.</p>
<p>Is there a model or any existing categorization of Business Analyst role in IT?</p>
<p>I am only aware of roles like Senior/Junior Business Analyst.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>The Roles / Models for IT Business Analysts:</b></p>
<p>There are several possible career paths for IT Business Analysts depending on the size of the organization or the diversity of tasks performed by your business analysts.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Assuming that your company has a legitimate need to start putting business analysts into silos, here are some options, categories or specialized roles:</p>
</blockquote>
<ol>
<li>
<p><i>Usability / UI / User Experience Business Analyst</i></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><i>Web Business Analyst</i></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><i>E-Commerce Business Analyst</i></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><i>Marketing Business Analyst</i></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><i>Business Process Analyst / Process Engineer</i></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><i>Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Business Analyst</i></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Use this list to elicit more careers centering on specialized functions performed by the business analysts on you team.</p>
<p>This post presents tips, strategies or solutions for advancing your business analysis career. If you enjoy reading this post, be sure to &#8230; <a target="_blank" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/home?status=Career+Tip+for+Senior+Business+Analysts%3A+Become+The+Lead+Business+Analyst%21%20http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2929" title=Share this post"><strong>Share It with Friends</strong></a></p>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:41:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ITCareerCoach</dc:creator>
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<p><div id="attachment_2910" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 436px"><img src="http://www.it-career-coach.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/computer_programmers_cplus.jpg" alt="Learning A Marketable Skill?" title="Learning A Marketable Skill?" width="426" height="282" class="size-full wp-image-2910" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Learning A Marketable Skill?</p></div>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p><strong></p>
<p>Do you want to learn the C++ programming language or become a C/C++ computer programmer?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Have you ever asked this question? <i>which programming language is the most complex and challenging?</i>? and received the answer <i>C++</i>?</p>
<p>If you answered yes, you are not alone. About 13 years ago, I asked my mentors in <a title="computer programming" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/computer-programming/">computer programming</a> <i>which programming language is the hardest, toughest, most difficult to learn?</i> and I got the same reply as you&#8230; C++.</p>
<p>I asked the question because I wanted to become a successful computer programmer.</p>
<p> So, I reasoned that if I could prove myself by conquering the hardest programming language, my success in <a title="computer programming" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/computer-programming/">computer programming</a> would be guaranteed.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>Do You Want To Learn The Hardest Programming Language?</h1>
<p>Recently, a number of C/C+ software developers have been turning to me for help with their computer programmer <a title="careers" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/careers/">careers</a>.</p>
<p>You can do this by taking advantage of the developer <a title="coaching" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/coaching/">coaching</a> or training sessions available to computer programmers who <a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/shopping-cart/software_developers_boot_camp.html" target="_blank"><strong>enroll in the software developers boot camp</strong></a>.</p>
<p>So, what could go wrong with the career of a software developer who has conquered one of the <i>meanest, hardest, most complex</i> <a title="computer programming languages" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/computer-programming-languages/">computer programming languages</a>?</i></p>
<blockquote><p><i>The real problem with learning C/C++ is not whether it leaves up to its reputation for being a tough guy, because it does!</i>.</p>
<p>The challenge facing those who succeed in learning C/C++ is more subtle.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Continue reading and you will find out for yourself soon</strong>.</p>
<h1>Is C/C++ Programming Good For Your Career?</h1>
<p>A few months ago, I started mentoring a C/C++ computer programmer with <strong>real-world programming experience</strong> in C/C++, Microsoft Foundation Classes and Windows 32 API and a <strong>college degree</strong>.</p>
<p>He couldn&#8217;t get a computer programmer <a target="_blank" target="_blank" title="job" href="http://www.myjobsearchcoaching.com/more-information/">job</a>, so he signed up for my <a target="_blank" target="_blank" title="coaching" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/coaching/">coaching</a> program to find out why he couldn&#8217;t get a <a title="job" href="http://www.myjobsearchcoaching.com/more-information/">job</a> with C/C++ programming skills.</p>
<p>After he explained his situation to me, I presented him with a list of 3 hot programming technologies in high demand.</p>
<p>I told him that <i>these <a target="_blank" target="_blank" title="programming languages" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/programming-languages/">programming languages</a> were so hot that just having them on his <a title="resume" href="http://www.myjobsearchcoaching.com/more-information/">resume</a> would land him programming <a target="_blank" target="_blank" title="job" href="http://www.myjobsearchcoaching.com/more-information/">job</a> offers, even though he had been out of work for 2 years!</i></p>
<p>Well, he <i>acted on the information</i> I gave him, took <strong>MASSIVE ACTION</strong> and in a <strong>FEW MONTHS</strong> learnt all he could about the 3 hot programming technologies!</p>
<p>Guess what? <i>a few months after taking advantage of my <a title="software developer mentoring" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/software-developer-mentoring/">software developer mentoring</a>, he got the first programming job he interviewed for on the spot, after being out of work for two (2) years!</i></p>
<blockquote><p><i><strong>So, why couldn&#8217;t a C/C++ computer programmer with real world industry experience and a college degree get a programming job in the middle of a hi-tech boom?</strong></i></p>
</blockquote>
<h1>WHY C++ PROGRAMMERS CAN&#8217;T GET JOBS</h1>
<p>The simple reason why C++ programmers can&#8217;t get a job is that the C++ programming language is not suited for business or web applications development!</p>
<p><strong>But, wait a minute, isn&#8217;t C/C++ also one of the fastest <a title="programming languages" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/programming-languages/">programming languages</a>?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Yes C++ is one of the fastest <a title="programming languages" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/programming-languages/">programming languages</a>. But the speed of C++ applies to the speed with which it executes on a computer and not to the speed with which you can code or develop software programs.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>STOP! Think about what I just said. Don&#8217;t just read it, digest my last statement until you really comprehend it.</strong></p>
<p>C/C++ is the wrong programming language for business or web programming because employers care more about the speed with which you code or develop software and care less about the speed at which your software program executes.</p>
<h1>Why Employers Don&#8217;t Care About The Execution Speed of C++ Programs?</h1>
<p>The reason is that the dramatic increases in computer processing speed and memory has made the personal computer faster and much more powerful.</p>
<blockquote><p>So, the amount of processing power available on most personal computers makes the execution speed of any programming language sufficient for most business software development projects.</p>
</blockquote>
<h1>What Do Employers Care About?</h1>
<p>Employers really want their software developers to code or write programs faster. And C/C++ fares badly at this, because it&#8217;s one of the meanest, hardest, most complex programming languages to either learn or develop real-world business applications with.</p>
<p>The problems of C/C++ does not stop with the difficulty of learning the language. It&#8217;s also harder, tougher and slower to develop web or business applications in.</p>
<p>This is the real reason why most employers will not hire C/C++ programmers for business or web application development.</p>
<h1>Is C/C+ Dead?</h1>
<p>
Certainly not. C/C++ is best suited for software projects like writing operating systems, compilers, computer or video games, data mining applications, scientific applications or applications where the execution speed is critical.</p>
<p><strong>Stop for a moment now and answer this question</strong>: do you really want to make money from programming computers quickly or easily?</p>
<p><strong>If you answered yes, I recommend you go into an area of <a title="computer programming" href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/category/computer-programming/">computer programming</a> where the demand is hot and where there are lots and lots of jobs.</strong>
</p>
<p>That area right now is in internet or web application programming which C++ is unfortunately not suited for.
</p>
<p><i>Secondly, if you want to success in web or business applications development, learn a programming language which allows you to quickly create programs that meet business needs.</i></p>
<p>After 13 years, I realize that employers don&#8217;t care about the beauty of the C++ programming language.</p>
<blockquote><p><i>Employers care about automating their business processes or making their businesses work better, quicker and faster.</i></p>
<p>Employers also want to hire programmers whose speed of development matches or outpaces their business operations.</p>
<p>The ugly truth is that C/C++ is not the right tool for achieving either of these results.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Dear friend, <a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/shopping-cart/software_developers_boot_camp.html" traget="_blank">enroll in the Software Developers Boot Camp now</a> and learn those programming languages that excel at creating business software applications easily and quickly and you will discover success in computer programming quickly and easily.</i></p>
<p>Finally, if you are a programmer needing help with career decisions, no matter how bad your situation is, <a href="http://www.it-career-coach.net/shopping-cart/software_developers_boot_camp.html" traget="_blank"><strong>sign-up for the Software Developers Boot Camp now</strong></a> and you will be personally coached on how to achieve success in your situation.</p>
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		<series:name><![CDATA[How To Learn Programming Languages]]></series:name>
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		<title>You Can Become a Computer Programmer In Months Or In Less Time Than Most People Think Is Possible</title>
		<link>http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/10/14/you-can-become-a-computer-programmer-in-months-or-in-less-time-than-most-people-think-is-possible/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2006 15:40:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ITCareerCoach</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[become a computer programmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business software developer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career action plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[game programmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[systems programmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transition time]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I have been receiving a number of questions from my readers about how much time it takes to become a computer programmer. Looking back in time, I realize, I had this same conversation with a coach figure 12+ years ago when I was considering a career in computer programming. His advice was that it would [...]]]></description>
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<p><strong>I have been receiving a number of questions from my readers about how much time it takes to become a computer programmer.</strong></p>
<p>Looking back in time, I realize, I had this same conversation with a coach figure 12+ years ago when I was considering a career in computer programming. His advice was that it would take me at least 2 years of concentrated work to learn any new career. My coach figure at that time was a successful lawyer with more than 30 years of experience practicing law, so I took his advice to heart.</p>
<p>A few years later, I became a computer programmer. To my surprise, the actual learning and the period of time it took me to become a computer programmer was only 3 months.</p>
<p>When I say 3 months to transition to a career in contract computer programming, you have to realize that I was working a full time job while working transitioning to a career in computer programming.</p>
<p>I realize that my story is not the norm for everyone transitioning to a career in computer programming. Also, the fact that it took me 3 months to learn computer programming does not make me more or less smart than someone else who spends 6 months or 2 years doing the same.</p>
<p>Now, I will mention only 3 factors out of the several that helped me transition to a career in software development consulting in only 3 months.</p>
<ol>
<p>
<li><strong>Short Learning Curve</strong>: Some programming languages take more time to master than others. For example, Visual Basic is remarkably easier for new comers to learn than say C++ or Java. When I was starting my career in contract programming, I realized at the time that all programming languages are not equal, and jumpstarted my new career by choosing a rapid application development language.</li>
</p>
<p>
<li><strong>Effective Study Habits</strong>: How much you get out of your study time depends on the effectiveness of your study habits. In college I noticed that while some students need 1 hour of study time to learn a new concept, others need 3 hours of study time to learn the same concept. So to shorten the time it takes you to learn computer programming you need to sharpen your study skills.</li>
</p>
<p>
<li><strong>Passion for Success</strong>: Before I actually learnt how to program computers, I was passionate about the subject of computer programming for many years. I have no doubt that this passion for computing helped me master the career in a shorter time. Being passionate meant that I hung out with programmers, tried to read their magazines and listened to their advice.</li>
</p>
</ol>
<p><strong>It all comes down to your career action plan</strong>. There is more to computer programming than simply learning a computer programming language.</p>
<p>For example, some programming languages are <strong>Rapid Application Development (RAD)</strong> tools. RAD tools are designed to help software developers create business applications in less time.</p>
<p>Some computer programming software comes with tools that make it easier for developers to <strong>find and correct mistakes</strong> in their software applications.</p>
<p>Some computer programming languages are in <strong>high demand while others are not</strong>. You may not want to learn a programming language for which you contact 10 hiring managers to get one technical interview if you could have had 10 interviews by learning a different computer programming language.</p>
<p>Finally, some programming languages are <strong>best suited for particular industries</strong>. You need to master one type of programming language to become a <strong>game programmer</strong>, another type to become a <strong>business software developer</strong> and yet another type of programming language to be a <strong>systems programmer</strong>. </p>
<p>The industry you work in may have a programming language best suited for it and it is your job to determine that.</p>
<p>Consider this advice from a good friend: <strong>Always Begin with the End in Mind</strong>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="/book/" title="Computer Programmer Career Advice"><strong>To learn more about fast tracking your computer programmer career, visit this resource.</strong></a></p>
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