Embrace Chaos: A Day in the Life of a Business Analysis Consultant
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
The business analysis professional is the unsung hero of the digital transformation saga. If you're a business analysis professional yourself, in a consulting firm or not, you know that our kind is like a Swiss Army knife in a world of digital complexities.
We're the catalyst between IT and business, the translators of tech jargon, and the architects of change. And if you're embarking on this journey, buckle up—it's quite the ride!
Morning: Coffee and Chaos
Our day often starts with the most critical decision—which coffee will fuel today's adventures? Espresso, Americano, or the unused decaf? Choose wisely, for this potion will be your ally in the battlefield of emails, meetings, and stakeholder demands.Once the caffeine kicks in, it's time to dive into the chaos. As a business analysis consultant, you're likely juggling multiple projects, each at different stages of the digital transformation process. You might start your day reviewing business processes for a manufacturing client, then switch gears to analyzing data migration strategies for a financial services firm.
You’re also closely monitoring your inbox for the next ad-hoc request!
Midday: Meetings and Mind Maps
By midday, you've probably attended at least three meetings—one of which you're convinced was scheduled just for the sake of it and could have been an email. But fear not, for this is where you shine.You ask the tough questions, clarify the vague answers, and see to it that everyone is on the same page regarding the project's objectives. You're the person everyone is relieved to have on the call because they can relax and let you ask the questions they’re not comfortable asking.
After the meetings, it's time to put on your detective hat. You're investigating user requirements, mapping out processes, and identifying pain points. You create mind maps that look like modern art—complex, colourful, and occasionally confusing to the untrained eye. But to you, there’s a method to the madness.
Afternoon: Analysis and Action
The afternoon is where analysis meets action. You've gathered your intel, and now it's time to translate it into tangible solutions. You're like a digital wizard, turning raw data into gold (better known as a well-crafted requirement document).You might spend hours modelling data flows, only to realize there's a better way to do it. But that's the beauty of being a business analysis professional—you're always learning, adapting, and improving the way you work. It's a bit like playing Tetris with business processes, where you have to see the bigger picture. The pieces keep falling, and you need to rotate, adjust, and fit them into the right place.
Evening: Reflection and Relaxation
As the day winds down, you take a moment to reflect on your achievements. You've navigated the treacherous waters of digital transformation, charted unknown territories, and lived to tell the tale.It's time to relax, but as a business analysis professional, your mind is never fully off duty. You're already thinking about tomorrow's challenges and the strategies you'll employ. For now, though, you close your laptop with a sense of accomplishment. You've made a difference, and that's what being a business analysis professional in a consulting firm is all about.
Things to Remember
- Embrace the chaos: Digital transformation is a complex beast. Embrace the unpredictability and use it to fuel your creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Be a communication chameleon: Adapt your communication style to suit your audience. Whether it's IT folks or business stakeholders, make sure your message is simple, clear, and understood.
- Stay agile: The digital world moves fast. Stay agile in your approach, be open to change, and always be ready to pivot.
- Keep learning: Technology evolves, and so should you. Keep up with the latest developments, tools, and methodologies to stay ahead of the game.
- Find humour in the hurdles: Not every day will be a walk in the park. Find humour in the hurdles and remember that every problem is an opportunity in disguise.
About the Author
Emerson Ramkaran is a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) and Agile Certified Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in technology implementations in the Caribbean. As a Senior Manager of Technology Transformation at Ernst & Young (EY) in the Trinidad and Tobago firm, he assists regional clients in navigating and realizing their digital transformation vision. He offers a unique perspective on how technology and innovation can enhance their way of working and, by extension, benefit the entire organization. When it comes to fueling his day, let's just say he believes in the power of coffee!
