Could YOU be our next BA of the Year success story?

Rebecca Richmond-Smith was IIBA Business Analyst of the Year 2021. Read on for how Rebecca won the award, her insights into the BA role and some useful advice if you’re thinking of applying this year.

Did you expect to win??

Absolutely not! Making the shortlist alongside candidates of such a high calibre felt like an achievement in itself. When my name was announced at BA Conference Europe I was completely shocked, I’d already awarded it to several other people in my head.

What have you been doing since you won?

Winning BA of the Year gave me a platform to promote business analysis as a career, as well as the value business analysts can add. Through Young Business Analysts (YBA) I've talked at universities, promoting business analysis as a potential career. I've also shared my path to becoming a business analyst with organisations, encouraging them to support future BA talent.

Part of the duties of the winner of BAOTY is to help to organise the next IRM Business Analysis conference. I’ve really enjoyed this and learnt a lot in the process. I’ve also continued with my professional development and have completed my MBA.

Your BA ‘lightbulb moment’ was during a job interview. What happened?

I was in a job interview for a data analyst role when the COO of the company asked me where I pictured myself in 3-5 years. When I explained what I would love to do – which was helping people to solve business problems – they told me I was describing the business analyst role. I did not get the data analyst job, but they created a business analyst job especially for me. That interview launched my BA career.?

How did you train?

At my first company I had no formal BA training, however I took advantage of all the great resources out there for new BAs. I read ’99 Business Analysis Techniques’ which is now ‘123 Business Analysis Techniques’, I also read articles, blogs and watched webinars and videos from IIBA and wider BA community.?

When joining CMR Surgical I was very fortunate there was already a senior BA who made me feel welcome, supported my development and was a great sounding board. CMR also supported me through the International BA Diploma, which I took through AssistKD. The trainers (and entire team!) were incredibly supportive, I have to give a special mention to Mike, Jonathan, Julian, Fraser and Karen.?

For those who may lack confidence, what support is available for those applying?

Don't be afraid to ask for help and get input! I found that it helped to let someone know I was going through the process so I was committed and had accountability. My organisation at the time (CMR Surgical) was incredibly supportive and hopefully anybody applying would be able to find the same support in their organisation. My senior BA, Marie-France Mardi, was particularly helpful, checking my answers for me to make sure I did not underplay by achievements. And a personal friend gave my application an extra check over for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Finally, my Young Business Analysts (YBA) connections were very helpful, offering me their ‘external BA eyes' on my application.

Have you any advice for those applying for BA of the Year 2022?

Applying is such a useful exercise in itself, I really would encourage it. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your progress to date and to show your employers you are serious about your career. Here are my top tips. Good luck!

• Go for it, don't be afraid to apply. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
• Brainstorm what you've achieved over the last year (I found this very eye-opening as I had forgotten achievements from 3 months ago!)
• Align key achievements with the question themes to ensure you mention everything you want. This also gives your application structure.
• Get writing and don't worry about word-count (you can always wordsmith and cut down afterwards).
• Allow yourself plenty of time.