What does it really mean to be a “professional” Business Analyst? In this episode of BA Brew, Kerry is joined by Laurens and Lisa to explore professionalism in business analysis – from preparation and mindset to qualifications, growth, and career progression.

They discuss:

• What professionalism means in a BA context
• Their journeys through the BCS International & Advanced Diplomas
• Achieving CITP status
• The path to becoming an Expert BA
• Practical advice for BAs looking to advance their careers

If you're considering the BCS Advanced Diploma, CITP, or the Expert BA route, this conversation is packed with insights from real practitioners who’ve been there.

FURTHER RESOURCES

BA Brews

• How to Become a Business Analysis Professional
• Transferable Skills
• Communities of Practice
• Self-Assessment and Development Tools
• I’m a Business Analyst — How Did That Happen?

Articles

• No Limits to Learning
• Elevating the BA Voice
• Skill Development of the Business Analysis Practice
• From Junior BA to BA Manager: A Business Analysis Journey

Qualifications

• BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis
• BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis
• Chartered IT Professional (CITP)
• The Expert BA Award

Being part of a Community of Practice allows BAs to share knowledge and best practice, mentor or be mentored, and have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. But some of the benefits are less tangible.

In this lively chat, Anthony Thompson and Mark Thompson of Close Brothers discuss the value of Communities of Practice with the Brew Crew.

Anthony Thompson and Mark Thompson are both Lead BAs at Close Brothers.

FURTHER RESOURCES 

BA BREWS

• BA Brew 29: The Invisible BA
• BA Brew 35: The BA Service Framework

ARTICLES

• Ten Reasons to Establish a Centralised Community of Practice
• Ten Top Tips on Building a Community of Practice
• Running a Centralised Business Analysis Community of Practice: The Top 10 Financial Benefits
• Keeping a Community of Practice Alive and Kicking

COURSES

• BCS Certificate in Team Leadership

In this informative BA Brew Adam Pearson talks to the Crew about why BAs need to develop an accessibility mindset and how he, as a registered blind person, has used his BA skills to help to make it easier to both generate and consume accessible content.

Topics discussed: why accessibility must be considered from the start of every project; useful tools for generating accessible content and for consuming content; the difference between usability and accessibility; how AI tools can support accessibility; why making mistakes and learning means you are doing it right; and more.

As Adam says: “The more we all do as a collective, the fewer barriers there are into this fantastic field of work.”

Adam Pearson is now a Business Analyst at The RNIB.

FURTHER RESOURCES 

BA BREWS

• BA Brew 20: Resilience (feat. Corrine Thomas)
• BA Brew 27: The BA Apprenticeship

ARTICLES

• Resilience Resources
• Strengths Spotting - Achieve your goals by leveraging your strengths
• AssistKD’s Business Analyst (Level 4) Apprenticeship Scheme
• AssistKD BA Career Planner Tool
• 10 Top Tips for Entering the Business Analysis Profession