Lounge - Career path for business analyst

Asked By eternally on 18-Nov-11 12:03 PM
I just finished my B.Sc. Hons Degree in Information Technology. I am currently on the lookout for an employment opportunity. Up to now my plan was to become a Software Engineer,but in the recent past I have also been considering the post of Business Analyst. I would be extremely grateful if someone could tell me the pros and cons of being a Business Analyst. I really don't want to be doing a job which consists of only documentation. I would like a job that mentally challenges and stimulates me. I am extremely hard working and committed,so will I better off as a Software Engineer?
Neha Garg replied to eternally on 18-Nov-11 12:30 PM
Hello Eternally,

It happens with most of the persons after completion of studies, even i was in the same situation::

Business Analyst does'nt mean to prepare documents and all. You'll be getting challenges in both the fields.
But if you like coding and if you are good in it then go for it....
eternally replied to Neha Garg on 18-Nov-11 12:35 PM
I like coding right now. But 10 years down the line, I dont see myself wanting to sit down and be coding. Plus there is the added stress of having to continue to learn languages and technologies and the high competition. If there are any Business Analysts out there..I would love to hear about the kind of work you do. :)
Neha Garg replied to eternally on 18-Nov-11 12:58 PM
Hello Eternally,

Yes you are right if you'll choose development as your career then you need to update yourself according to the technology and there are NO LIMIT of learning for developer in technologies:

If you like client interaction and you are confident enough to handle the clients and go for Business Analyst. Its a challenging job and off-course bit technical knowledge is still required for this position.
Neha Garg replied to eternally on 18-Nov-11 12:59 PM
Hello Eternally,

Yes you are right if you'll choose development as your career then you need to update yourself according to the technology and there are NO LIMIT of learning for developer in technologies:

If you like client interaction and you are confident enough to handle the clients and go for Business Analyst. Its a challenging job and off-course bit technical knowledge is still required for this position.
Suchit shah replied to eternally on 18-Nov-11 01:17 PM
Hi,

Personally telling about my experience I have been doing software programming from last few years i feel that pressure is everywhere and there has been Pros and cons in every field, I am doing programming some time I strongly feel that I want to leave this programming field but suddenly feel good and feel no i want to do the programming.. but i tell some point for this field and then you choose your self in which way you want to go

(1) Finding Developer Job is easier than getting hired for a business analyst .
(2) Business analyst spends a lot of time interacting with people (customers, stakeholders, management), projects, processes.
(3) Business Analysts are always bridging gaps between opposing or conflicting points of views and helping different interest groups buying to a common goal or strategy
(4) So a business analyst day job  more challenging or stressful compared to a computer programmer’s who is given specifications
(5)As a business analyst you may end up having more personal time after work unlike a computer programmer who is always learning new technologies after work( Evening or weekend) 
(6)Business Analysts more exposed to the picture of upper or senior management 

What do you think of my advice? Do you agree or disagree?
Based on this you need to decide that you need more better life or stressful life ? You need more power or want work in small corner and no one knows after few years is this really this guy working in this Company ?

BEST OF LUCK..... Hope some of my view helps you to get more better idea