How To Put your Career in Overdrive » junior business analyst http://www.it-career-coach.net IT Career Coach Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:14:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 The Business Analysts Role In Facilitating Data Warehouse Projects http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/03/10/the-business-analyst-role-in-facilitating-data-warehouse-projects/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/03/10/the-business-analyst-role-in-facilitating-data-warehouse-projects/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:29:39 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2868 Business Analyst Role In Data Warehouse Projects

Business Analyst Role In Data Warehouse Projects

The Business Analysts Role In Bringing Data Warehousing To Your Office

Today’s business executives spend a ton of cash on data warehouse projects because that is a big, key, strategic business initiative; the success of which weighs heavily on their minds.

Data warehousing is important because it saves or aggregates information in a manner that allows executives, management or office users to make strategic business decisions faster, better and more easily!

No More Silos In The Workplace

Data warehousing is critical to business success because it presents a way for executives or management to view or manage their corporation as a whole unit instead of in silos.

What data warehousing offers decision makers is the ability to break out of departmental information silos and see the big picture.

One of the key objectives facilitated by business analysts in data warehousing roles is that of bridging the gap between enterprise databases (marketing, finance, inventory, customer relationship management, etc.) so that decision makers or office users can ask questions or get a comprehensive, 360 degree insight across corporate / departmental databases with one query or question!

Introducing OLAP, Business Intelligence (BI) Or Data Warehousing To Business Analysts

Business Analysts assigned to data warehouse projects may be surprised to know that traditional, day-to-day relational (online transaction processing (OLTP)) databases are not optimized for querying or reporting of data for business or decision making purposes.

Databases that are actually optimized for data analysis, reporting and business intelligence are known as Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) databases.

So, another key benefit of data warehousing is that it provides decision makers with real-time business intelligence at optimal speeds through the used of OLTP systems.

Finally, Data Warehousing is important from the standpoint of facilitating forecasting trends or getting performance metrics for the entire organization.

Data warehousing provides senior management with intelligence required to see the company’s performance from a 30,000 foot level instead of being buried under a mountain of data at sea level.

Will The Real Enterprise Business Analyst Stand Up Please?

Organizations implementing business intelligence or data-warehousing projects are looking for a significant boost in their business intelligence or decision making capabilities.

Savvy business analysts pulled into data-warehousing / BI projects would fare well to keep this at the back of their mind from the git-go!

So, here are some key roles for business analysts in data warehouse projects

  • The Data Warehouse Business Analysts role includes helping the business team identify key opportunities for boosting revenue, increasing sales, decreasing operational costs or achieving some other important organizatioinal or business objective.

  • The Business Analyst bridges the gap between the business or executive management office and the data warehousing / BI Implementation Team.

  • The Business Analyst identifies the business intelligence needs of the organization. This includes eliciting BI requirements from executives, managers or office users and then working with the data warehouse project team to identify, define or implement these business requirements.

The Enterprise Business Analyst Role In Data Warehousing Projects

Data warehousing projects are all about building, integrating, analyzing or reporting on large, complex, corporate databases.

So, Business Analysts working in such domains will be well-advised to fortify their database skills as that is the real-world domain or context of data warehousing.

Because of the strategic importance or the scope of data warehousing / business intelligence (BI) projects, the business analyst typically functions as a key member of a larger data warehouse project team.

The data warehouse project team may include the Project Manager, Data Modeler, Data Architect, Data Analyst , Tester, Report Writer, Database Developer and last but not least … the data warehousing / business intelligence (BI) business analyst.

With that in mind, here are the business analyst’s roles in the context of an enterprise data-warehousing project implementation team.

  • Management Role: working with executives, management or the business team, the business analyst identifies the gaps in corporate intelligence / reporting capabilities.

  • Data Analyst Role: working with data analysts, the business analyst identifies, understands and documents the sources of data discrepancies or gaps in business intelligence.

    The actual work of identifying data sources may be assigned to the data analysts or Extraction, Transform Load (ETL) developers while that of documenting or modeling the data transformations assigned to a business analyst comfortable with creating data models.

  • Data Modeler / Data Architect / Database Developer Role: The business analyst works with the data modeler, data architect or database developer to create the logical or conceptual data model.

    The business analyst also validates that the data model meets business requirements before it is implemented.

The Data Warehouse Business Analyst Skill Sets

The enterprise data warehouse business analyst is not your traditional business analyst. so, here are some of the skill-set requirements for business analysts in a data warehouse project.

  • The business analyst needs a thorough understanding of Extraction, Transform and Load (ETL) processes.

  • The business analyst also needs a strong understanding of the logical database design process, data modeling, data-mart design and a good understanding of OLAP compared to OLTP systems.

  • The business analyst needs to be comfortable with the business intelligence tools used in delivering corporate intelligence to decision makers which may be as simple as a Microsoft Excel-based Business Intelligence (tool).

  • The business analyst also needs a good understanding of data warehousing terminology as well as the corporate data being analyzed by the business.

    In other words, familiarity with the data is important whether one’s eliciting requirements from the business team or validating data models and ETL processes with the Data Warehouse implementation team.

Bringing Business Intelligence (BI) To The Office

An increasing number of organizations are either planning or implementing BI projects with the objective of improving the quality of corporate intelligence available to decision makers.

As a business analyst, it’s your duty to assist your organization with their BI / Data Warehouse endeavors.

You can achieve this by learning as much as you can about databases, data warehousing, business intelligence, data analysis and decision making processes.

The data warehouse business analyst job description includes a cross-functional suite of skills in Relational Database Development, SQL Query Writing, Data Analysis and Business Analysis.

You can get more information on this from both the Data Analyst Boot Camp and the Business Analyst Boot Camp.

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/03/10/the-business-analyst-role-in-facilitating-data-warehouse-projects/feed/ 0 5 Steps to a New Business Analyst Career http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/16/5-steps-to-a-new-business-analyst-career/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/16/5-steps-to-a-new-business-analyst-career/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:03:41 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2834 business analyst in 5 steps

business analyst in 5 steps

5 Steps to a New Business Analyst Career

I talk to a number of business analysts interested in changing careers to new domains.

They come from diverse backgrounds (insurance, sales, financial, etc.) and they all share a common goal … that of switching careers to new domains.

So, when one of these business analysts asked; if I would like to throw more light on changing BA careers / domains at job interviews, I was glad to say yes :-)

How To Switch Business Analyst Domains

Some degree of sales or marketing skills is needed to get a job. And your understanding of the sales process determines how successful your career switch will be.

Here is what you need to know about switching business analyst careers:

  1. Put Yourself In Employers Shoes:

    Don’t make the classic mistake of approaching the business analyst job interview from the standpoint of what you can get out of it!

    Rather, put yourself in the employer’s shoes and talk to their interests and needs … that is basic human nature and selling 101.

    This matters because job interviewers will not care about you or get interested in you, if you don’t care about or show a genuine interest in them (read Dale Carnegie’s classic – “How To Win Friends and Influence People”).

  2. Emphasize Cross Functional Skills:

    Accept that employers will be skeptical of your resume, skill-sets and suitability for the job, when switching careers or domains.

    Now, resolve the employer’s doubts by showing how your skill-sets are a better match to their needs.

    Do this by emphasizing cross-functional skills like your communication and presentation skills. Then, go further and explain how your business analysis skills (like those taught at the business analyst boot camp) will be useful to the employer inspite of your previous domain or background.

  3. Tailor your Resume to the Job:

    Yes, tailoring your resume to the job helps, when you have some relevant background information that will be lost in your traditional resume.

    Several years ago, I transitioned from a chemical engineering job to an information technology (IT) consulting career.

    I only had a few months of relevant IT experience but several more years of irrelevant chemical engineering training and experience.

    Following the advice of a recruiter, I re-wrote my resume to focus, expand and highlight my strong>limited information technology background while reducing my chemical engineering background to a foot note … which worked like a charm!

    The lesson hear is to “reduce the employer’s doubt and anxiety by rewriting sections of your resume that doesn’t directly relate to the job you’re interviewing for“.

  4. Leave your Pride at the Door:

    Don’t let any negative behavior or comments cause you to lose your cool at the job interview.

    Instead, carry yourself as a true professional regardless of what you see or hear at the interview.

    I was fortunate to be interviewed for a Procter & Gamble Management Trainee program out-of-college.

    However, before I was hired, I had to maintain my composure under some negative, psycho-analysis by an interviewer whose main goal was to see if I would lose my cool under the pressure of the interview.

    So, do whatever it takes to get the job interview … that is your sole mission and objective.

  5. Study your Prospective Employer’s Industry:

    I have been to a few job interviews where I used my knowledge of the company’s market place to advantage.

    This is not something that you can do, if you’re looking for an easy job. But it is definitely something that you can do, if you’re really interested in the company.

    Research the prospective employer’s competitors, industry, technology, business processes and come prepared with suggestions, ideas or information that would genuinely help the prospective employer.

So., now I have given it to you … skills, techniques or steps for changing your business analyst career or domain. What are you going to do with it?

If you would like to leave discuss more about your experience at job interviews, just go ahead and leave a comment below.

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Share/Bookmark]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/02/16/5-steps-to-a-new-business-analyst-career/feed/ 1 8 Tips for Business Analysts: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/26/8-tips-for-business-analysts-how-to-stand-out-in-a-crowded-job-market/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/10/26/8-tips-for-business-analysts-how-to-stand-out-in-a-crowded-job-market/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:03:30 +0000 IT Career Coach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=2639 stand out in a business analyst job market

This question was submitted by Merry who wants to know “how to become the best business analyst in a competitive business analyst job market.”

If you need help with a Question or Challenge, be sure to ask it as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering Merry’s questions below!

Here is Merry’s Question on Becoming The Best Business Analyst

Hi

I recently graduated from university with a BSc degree in Computer Science. I am now doing a Business Analyst Internship at an IT company in RSA. My contract with the company is expiring in the next four months.

My greatest concern now is how do I go about finding the perfect position that meets my qualifications,skills and experience. The other challenge is that hiring managers or companies themselves are looking for people who are highly experienced and I only have one year experience.

As I was reading some of the articles published here, I learned that you say people should not aim at getting Junior Business Analyst positions as employers are not really looking for Junior Business Analysts.

Now my questions are with the little experience that I have and still need more exposure in this field(IT Business Analysis) what kind of positions should I apply for? and which steps must I take in order to become the best business analyst and for me to be considered for Business Analyst positions?

Thank you for your time. Looking forward to your response

Regards

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Business Analyst Job Market

    In a competitive business analyst job market, only the best business analyst candidates will succeed.

    So, here are a few things that you may do to become a stronger or better business analyst:

  1. Learn more about business analysis – become the best business analyst by getting a well-rounded in-depth understanding of core BA subjects.

  2. Improve your presentation or communication skills – employers hire business analysts with strong verbal communication skills.

    Click here to join your local Toastmasters club for one of the best communication skills training programs … it costs next to nothing!

  3. Become a better business writer – one of the senior business analysts I interviewed and recommended, got the job on the basis of her strong documentation or writing skills.

    Click here to join a training program like the business analysts boot camp which incorporates a lot of hands-on business analyst documentation or writing projects.

  4. Make your resume stand out – your resume or cover letter is the first point of contact with potential employers.

    There are two simple but effective things that can improve your business analyst resume immediately:

    • Incorporate your personal brand into your resume and do not present a chronological but boring list of previous business analyst jobs.

    • Use an appropriate layout and format your resume to make it attractive.

    • Use the correct verb tenses and tailor your resume for each job description.

    • A poorly written or formatted resume signals weak business writing skills, so learn how to write your resume properly or hire someone to do it for you.

    • Resume writers charge as much as $600 and if you have to re-write your resume for each business analyst job, the cost quickly adds up.

      Click here to use the limited-time discount code: resumeONEX for up to two (2) resume rewrites.

  5. Get a lot of hands on experience – employers are not comfortable hiring business analysts without strong hands-on experience regardless of their certification or academic qualifications.

    The demand for hands-on experience is so strong that college graduates are now paying for internship services!

    Click here to read how college graduates are paying for internship opportunities.

    So, do whatever it takes to get hands-on business analysis experience through training, volunteer, internship or personal leadership projects.

    Unlike some training programs, the business analyst boot camp incorporates hands-on projects, assignments and activities at no extra cost.

    So, for a limited-time, you may click here to register at the current low price.

  6. Become a Leader In Your Industry – don’t depend only on your resume for a job.

    Employers now research potential candidates on social networking sites. So, if you don’t have a well-crafted personal brand, you’re letting employers make up their mind before you have a chance to tell your story.

    Learn how to establish your personal brand or tell your story by reading this now;

  7. Prepare in advance for your business analyst job interview – start preparing for your business analyst job interviews several months ahead.

    Use business analyst practice tests to memorize, understand and recite the correct answers to potential interview questions.

    Click here; to read how scientific studies prove that using practice tests or quizzes boost retention, memory and recall.

    Note that the business analyst boot camp incorporates quizzes or practice tests as part of the process.

  8. Don’t be so narrow minded, get some technical skils - employers are hiring for broader skill sets in a bid to cut down costs.

    What that means is that business analysts are increasing being asked to demonstrate technical or programming skills.

    Broaden your skill sets by learning SQL, relational databases and HTML. If you’re brave enough, learn some computer programming.

    If your objective is to get a business analyst job, then give employers what they want and don’t be insisting that technical skills are for programmers only!

    Currently there is a 2 for 1 promotional discount which allows you to register for any technical training program at no additional costs … don’t miss it!

The reality is, “you have to work hard at standing out in a competitive job market“!

I have made this easier by explaining what employers are looking for, so, the rest is up to you.

Remember that the market doesn’t lie. Don’t invest time on how to circumvent business analyst job descriptions. Save time and effort by giving employers what they want.

This post answers a question on how to become the best business analyst in a crowded job market.

If you have a question or a challenge about your career, post it as a comment and I will answer it for you!

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