Business Analyst Boot Camp
Proper credentials and education is stressed as being so important that we can sometimes lose sight as to what is at the root of formal learning.
True education and knowledge is only useful when you put what you know into action. Like a college diploma, certificates prove one thing: that you can pass a test.
Certificates are based on a similar concept as a college degree. You spend time in a classroom setting, or studying a book, and then complete assignments for a grade.
When you have finished a pre-set amount of credit hours, you get the piece of paper that says you have achieved a certain level of skill or knowledge.
Gaining this kind of education can be beneficial if you know how to get the most out of it, but isn\'t always the best way to achieve a goal, and certainly isn\'t the only way.
One study reports that 45 percent of college students show no significant improvement in critical thinking, complex reasoning or writing by the end of their sophomore years.
That means that many who have a college diploma or certifications really don\'t know how to apply this knowledge int he real world.
In the Business Analyst field, certifications are for experienced business analysts who already have 2 to 5 years of experience.
Without already achieving the necessary years of experience, the certificate is not an option.
The proof of whether or not a certification is worth pursuing is in how much experience you gain along with the knowledge you learn.
The ultimate goal is to learn about something you enjoy and are passionate about, not just to make money.
If you choose to pursue the certifications, make the best use of your time by working on real world projects to build skills and experience along with your certification.
Like a college degree, certifications alone will not entitle you to a career. They are only as good as what you put into them and the experience you gain along the way.
In fact, singing the praises of your certificate and standing alone on what the certificate brings, can actually be a turn-off to potential employers.
They know that certifications without relevant experience to back it up means very little to the company and how you will profit them.
Your job performance is what matters. What employers are now looking for is proof of performance and not more diplomas, degrees or certifications.
When it comes to proof of performance, employers tend to believe that how you performed at your previous work is the best proof of how you will perform in the future.
When you have a tooth ache and go to a dentist, would you rather be greeted by a wall full of diplomas and an air of arrogance or by someone who was recommended to you based upon the relief they were able to offer a friend?
Given the choice between acquiring certification or gaining hands-on experience - Go for the experience! Even if you have a long list of credentials, diplomas and certifications; you will still need to prove you can do the job.
Hiring managers want to know how you will make the company successful and not whether or not you can pass a test.
The best thing a candidate can do is express how their experience has given them a chance to use or to learn a skill which they will bring to the organization.
Jobs are given to those who prove they have the knowledge, skills and experience to offer the organization what they need to move forward.
They want you to come pre-trained, so they don\'t have to spend the time and money training you. Meaningful training only comes through doing the job.
Start looking for jobs that will help you build upon the experience you already have.
In the process of working in the real world, solidify your knowledge of business analysis techniques that you can transfer to a new organization.
Re-think your your resume\' and cover letter to spotlight how your experience will benefit a company as opposed to what credentials you think you need.
Business Analyst Certifications are for experienced business analysts who already have 2 to 5 years of experience and since you don\'t have that ...you have to change tactics!
BA Certifications don\'t guarantee a job. Employers are so aware of this,m that touting your certifications without relevant experience to back it up is a waste of your time!
Experience trumps certifications anytime and that is what you should go for!
In a nutshell, Knowledge + Skills + Experience = JOB$. what employers want from you is the training / knowledge that guarantees that you will do a good job, the skills to do the job and the relevant working experience!