| While industry experts agree that business analysts | | | | went on to say that the lines between the two |
| are essential to IT organizations, few know | | | | were becoming ever more fuzzy. This presents two |
| specifically what they do. Underscoring this, a recent | | | | options to business analysts - they can broaden their |
| survey by the noted research firm Forrester entitled, | | | | job responsibilities and straddle the fence between |
| The New Business Analyst, said: | | | | two disciplines. Or, they can narrow it, focusing on a |
| Everyone agrees on the importance of the business | | | | specific niche. |
| analyst role, but few know exactly what it is that | | | | Which one should you choose - IT or business? That |
| business analysts do ... a new breed of business | | | | depends on the organization you work for and/or |
| technology analyst will emerge to play a new role | | | | your long-term career objectives. |
| implementing changes to business policies directly | | | | Food for Thought: In a depressed economy, one |
| within supporting software. | | | | would think that broadening your skill set is the way |
| What does this means for today's business analysts, | | | | to go; ie, become a jack-of-all-trades. However, this |
| particularly in this economy? In short, they must | | | | is not necessarily true. Becoming the go-to |
| proactively define their roles to keep their jobs. | | | | professional in a specific niche can be just as valuable |
| How to Decide What Type of Business Analyst You | | | | in keeping your job and/or landing lucrative consulting |
| Are | | | | assignments. |
| The survey mentioned above said that there are | | | | Clearly defining your short- and long-term career |
| basically two types of business analysts: those | | | | objectives will help you decide. |
| focused on business, and those focused on IT. But, it | | | | |