From Banking Operations Professional to Business Analysis
We continue our career transition story series.
Let's consider John, a banking operations professional with 10 years of experience.
His background includes:
Started as a teller, handling day-to-day customer transactions and inquiries
Progressed to a funds transfer specialist, managing complex international transactions
Moved into customer relationship management, where she excelled at understanding and meeting client needs
Participated in numerous process improvement initiatives, streamlining banking operations
Played a key role in implementing new policies mandated by regulatory agencies
Involved in requirement elicitation for new system implementations
Conducted user acceptance testing for new banking software
Led train-the-trainer sessions for new systems and procedures
Provided first-line support after new system launches
Tracked and resolved support issues post-implementation
Analyzed new banking policies and helped design technology solutions to ensure compliance
Throughout his career, John has developed a deep understanding of banking operations, customer needs, regulatory requirements, and the intersection of finance and technology.
John's Frustration with Career Transition
Despite his rich experience in banking operations, John finds himself at a crossroads. He's grown interested in business analysis, recognizing how his skills might apply, but feels frustrated by several factors:
Uncertainty about how his banking experience translates to business analysis terminology and methodologies
Lack of formal business analysis qualifications on his resume
Difficulty in articulating his relevant skills to potential employers outside the banking sector
Uncertainty about which business analysis techniques align with his current skill set
Uncertainty about how to showcase his relevant experience in a business analysis context
Fear of starting over in a new career path after investing a decade in banking
John feels stuck, knowing he has valuable skills but unsure how to package and present them for a business analysis role. He's eager to make the transition but frustrated by the seeming gap between his current position and his aspirations.
Overcoming Frustration: The Role of Mentorship
John's frustration with his career transition reached a turning point when he connected with an experienced business analysis mentor - me.
Through active listening and targeted guidance, I helped John uncover hidden business analysis skills within his banking experience.
I assisted him in reframing his work history using BA terminology, crafting a compelling narrative that highlighted his relevant abilities.
This process transformed John's perception of his own experience, revealing how his banking background provided a strong foundation for a BA role.
Translating John's Banking Operations Experience
Consider how we transformed his banking operations experience based on one of the many projects he was part of.
The bank commissioned a project team tasked with implementing a new regulatory policy on customer data protection.
Here's how some of his tasks and activities align with business analysis tasks:
John begins by reviewing the new policy document, employing his analytical skills to understand the requirements. Unconsciously, he's using DOCUMENT ANALYSIS techniques, identifying key changes and their potential impacts on current banking processes.
He then engages with various department heads, using his communication skills( verbal and written) to explain the policy implications and elicit their perspectives. This is essentially STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, a key BA skill.
John documents the current customer data handling processes. This is a form of AS-IS PROCESS ANALYSIS, a key BA technique for understanding the current state before proposing changes.
He interviews colleagues from different departments to understand how they currently use and protect customer data. Here, John is employing ELICITATION techniques to gather information and CONTEXT about current practices.
Based on his analysis, John drafts initial requirements for system, internal policy and process changes. This is REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENTATION, a core BA responsibility.
He facilitates workshops with IT and business units to refine these requirements. This involves COLLABORATION with INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS and further REQUIREMENTS ELICITATION.
John works with the IT team to review proposed technical solution options. This is part of SOLUTION ASSESSMENT, where BAs evaluate potential solutions against business needs.
He collaborates with the IT team to develop and test scenarios to ensure the new systems and processes comply with the regulatory requirements. This is an example of TEST PLANNING AND EXECUTION, another important BA task.
John is part of the super user training sessions, he recommends changes to the training materials and conducts trains his colleagues at the branch or region to prepare them for deployment.
While this might seem like a training role, it's part of CHANGE MANAGEMENT, a key BA responsibility in ensuring smooth implementation of new processes.
Post-implementation, John collects feedback and compiles a report on the implementation's success. This is a form of POST-IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW, where BAs assess the effectiveness of the implemented solution.
These actions not only ensure regulatory compliance but also create VALUE for relevant STAKEHOLDERS, such as enhanced data protection for customers, reduced legal risks for the bank, and improved operational efficiency.
Are you currently in a banking or financial services role looking to transition to a business analyst role?
Take a close look at your daily tasks - you might be surprised at how many of them align with core BA responsibilities!
Ready to explore how your banking experience can launch your BA career? Consider joining our business analysis career development program and let's start mapping out your path to becoming a business analyst.
Your background is not a barrier—it's your unique advantage in the BA field. Let's leverage it together!
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