What's your job about?
The Bank’s IT Infrastructure department is responsible for maintaining core technology such as servers and networks, which are the foundation of RBA’s IT systems. My team, Infrastructure Portfolio Management, is responsible for delivering projects that uplift and modernise our infrastructure.
As a Technical Business Analyst, I use a variety of analysis techniques to make sense of complex problems in these projects and help my non-technical colleagues understand these problems (and vice versa). A day in my job may include; meeting with stakeholders to gather information, mapping and documenting information in a clear and easy to understand manner, and helping co-ordinate technical problems.
Sometimes there are opportunities for me to assist with communications, change management, vendor management, and technical testing which is a great way to learn about other roles.
Outside of my role I am lucky enough to be involved with extra-curricular committees. I help co-ordinate our IT Jumpstart Program which includes IT Co-Ops, Trainees, and Graduates. These tasks are diverse, and involve co-ordinating rotations, conducting interviews, collecting feedback, running committee meetings and more.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes. Different backgrounds bring different strengths and ideas to a business analyst role. It is important to have both technical and non-technical knowledge for a BA role. My background in technical infrastructure is extremely useful, in understanding the problems in the solution, and future requirements that need to be met. Through the Graduate Program I have also gained experience in communications and co-ordination roles which is critical for BA communication and engagement activities.
Any type of technical background (e.g. development, mobile, security) would bring a different understanding to a projects solution. A technical background allows a business analyst to truly understand the technical problem, and empathise with the technical team members responsible for implementing the solution.
In comparison, a business or non-technical background can also bring great strength to a business analyst position. Stakeholder engagement and communication is extremely important to a projects success and adoption, and a business analyst plays a vital part in maintaining these relationships.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I love reducing complex problems to simple, easy to understand concepts, and communicating this outcome to stakeholders. I have been faced with analysing systems that have not been updated in over 6 years, and no one has a true understanding of their use (yet the system is still required!). While this can be tedious and frustrating to piece together information from many different people and documents, the outcome is very satisfying.
When I get to the bottom of a problem, and can easily explain all the aspects of the system, problem, in a short document or diagram, I know I have done my job. It feels even better when stakeholders recognise how clear my explanation is!
What are the limitations of your job?
Business analysts are responsible for maintaining many relationships across different teams and departments. No matter a person’s role, whether they are a technical engineer, or a senior manager, everyone works in different ways and has preferred methods of communication. Learning the right style of communication with a stakeholder is different for every person, and this can be challenging to discover while working within deadlines.
Some advice for yourself when you were a student...
Find good mentors! Someone who you can look up to, and ask for advice. Mentor / mentee relationships have played a big part in my development, and work is a lot more fun when you have a friendly face to see every day!