How I’d Approach Business Analysis Differently If I Were Starting Over
switching from hiking boots to tight shoes.
When I first stepped into the world of Business Analysis, I was coming from a background in Geology; yes, rocks and minerals. Moving from studying the Earth’s layers to navigating stakeholder expectations felt like switching from hiking boots to tight shoes. It wasn’t exactly a natural transition, but here we are.
Looking back, there are quite a few things I’d do differently if I were starting over. If you’re just getting into Business Analysis, here are some lessons that might save you from a few blisters along the way.
1. Focus on People, Not Just Processes
When I started, I thought business analysis was all about documentation and process flows. I quickly learned that the best BA isn’t the one with the most polished BRD but the one who can navigate difficult conversations and get stakeholders to spill the real requirements (not just what they think they want). If I could do it again, I’d spend more time understanding people — how they think, what they fear, and how to get them on board.
2. Learn to Manage Stakeholder Expectations Early
Nothing prepares you for that moment when a stakeholder tells you, “This is a simple request,” and you later realize it requires integrating five different systems, hiring a consultant, and possibly summoning a wizard. Early on, I’d have asked more clarifying questions and set realistic expectations instead of nodding along and figuring it out later.
3. Get Comfortable With Saying No (or at Least “Not Yet”)
Early in my career, I treated every request as an urgent to-do. If a stakeholder wanted a new feature, I’d rush to add it to the backlog without pushing back. Now, I know better. A well-placed “Let’s assess the impact first” can save everyone from unnecessary rework and scope creep disasters.
4. Embrace the Messiness of Requirements
I used to think requirements gathering was a neat, linear process. Spoiler: It’s not. Stakeholders change their minds, developers discover technical limitations, and halfway through, someone remembers a “tiny” compliance requirement that changes everything. Now, I embrace the chaos and structure my approach accordingly.
5. Data Is Your Best Friend
If I had a time machine, I’d tell my younger BA self to get comfortable with data much earlier. Understanding SQL, analytics, and visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau would have saved me from relying solely on anecdotal evidence when making a case for product decisions.
6. Build Relationships With Developers From Day One
In my current Scrum team, I work with two frontend developers, three backend developers (including an intern), two designers, a tester, and a Scrum Master. When I first started, I saw developers as people who “just” built what we documented. I now know that collaborating with them early, understanding technical limitations, and valuing their input leads to better outcomes and fewer surprises in UAT.
7. Keep Learning, But Filter the Noise
The world of Business Analysis is filled with frameworks, methodologies, and certifications. If I were starting over, I’d focus on mastering the fundamentals before chasing every shiny new technique. Agile, Waterfall, BPMN, Design Thinking — they all have their place, but you don’t need to know everything at once.
Final Thoughts
If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change my decision to become a Business Analyst. I’d just do it with fewer missteps, less stress, and maybe a more comfortable pair of shoes. To anyone starting out — embrace the journey, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions. Oh, and always, always clarify what “simple” really means before you commit.
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