“The first 90 days are crucial for making a strong impression and setting the stage for your success.“
Starting out as a Business Analyst can be both exciting and challenging. The first 90 days are crucial for making a strong impression and setting the stage for your success. Every project is different, so tailor these strategies to your specific needs and project. This guide can vary from project to project, but here are some strategies to help you navigate this period effectively. Its important to note that some of these activities can be undertaken simultaneously.
Understanding the Project (Weeks 1–4)
Grasping the context of your project is essential. Begin by reading project documents such as the business case to understand the project’s purpose, justification, expected outcomes, and challenges. Review user stories, requirements, and workshop notes to get a sense of the work done so far. Familiarise yourself with the project roadmap, which outlines the vision and goals over short, medium, and long terms. As you go through these documents, jot down any questions. This will help you fill in gaps and gain a deeper understanding when you speak with team members. Additionally, take note of any recurring themes or issues that might require further investigation or clarification.
Engaging with Project Team Members (Weeks 2–6)
Once you have a basic understanding, start engaging with key project members. Project documents might not always be up-to-date, so team members can provide the latest developments and insights. Learn about the key stakeholders, their influence on the project, and their major concerns. For example, some stakeholders might be worried about project timelines or unvalidated requirements. Addressing these concerns can help build trust and credibility. Schedule regular check-ins with these stakeholders to keep abreast of any changes or new developments. Use these interactions to also understand the team dynamics and how best to communicate with different members.
Owning Small-Medium Pieces of Work (Weeks 4–8)
Identify areas where you can achieve small wins. Set up meetings to initiate work on these areas. If the work is new to you, collaborate with someone experienced. Present your work in meetings, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This helps you build a reputation and get your name out there. Look for tasks that are manageable but impactful, such as improving a specific process or creating a small but useful report. By successfully completing these tasks, you demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the team. Be proactive in seeking feedback and use it to refine your approach and deliverables.
Horizon Scanning by Month 3 (Weeks 8–12)
By the beginning of month three, start looking for bigger pieces of work that will bring long-term value to the project. By this stage, you should have caught the attention of influential stakeholders as someone who is keen and trustworthy. Identify strategic initiatives that align with the project’s goals and propose ways to tackle them. This could involve leading a new workstream, developing a comprehensive analysis, or implementing a significant process improvement. Ensure you have a clear plan and timeline for these larger tasks and communicate your progress regularly. This not only shows your commitment but also your ability to handle more complex responsibilities.
Examples to Illustrate
- Example 1: On a project to implement a new inventory system, start by understanding the current inventory challenges through documents and stakeholder meetings. Take ownership of a small task like improving the accuracy of stock counts by proposing an automated system, and showcase your findings in a team meeting. This demonstrates your ability to identify and solve problems effectively.
- Example 2: If you’re working on a customer relationship management (CRM) project, review user stories and requirements. Identify a small feature to enhance, such as improving the user interface for customer data entry. Collaborate with a UX designer to implement changes and present the improvements to the team. This shows your initiative and willingness to collaborate.
- Example 3: On a financial reporting project, understand the existing reporting challenges by reviewing past reports and meeting with finance team members. Take on the task of automating a specific report using tools like Power BI, and demonstrate the new automated report in a stakeholder meeting. This highlights your technical skills and ability to improve efficiency.
By following these strategies and examples, you can make a strong impression in your first 90 days as a Business Analyst and successfully pass your probation period. Remember, your competence and proactive attitude will set you apart and pave the way for your future success.
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