How to switch from Software Developer to Business Analyst?

It is said that the only constant thing in life is change, and this of course happens in our careers. The labor market is an extremely dynamic environment, which is constantly changing and is marked by uncertainty. New trades appear, and older ones tend to disappear or be replaced by rapidly evolving technology.

Some of our colleagues also went through a similar experience, moving from the responsibilities of a Software Developer to those of a Business Analyst. This is why we feel equipped to share with you some challenges you may encounter along the way, but also some tips in terms of this specific professional reconversion. ?

The differences between a Software Developer and a Business Analyst

We know the two work together, but they’re far from being in the same role. Business Analysts collect and interpret the documentation requirements necessary for creating a software product. Software developers and programmers write the computer code that builds the product itself.

The biggest difference is that a developer works mainly with code and analysts with people. It can be said that a developer's ?fight” is with himself while the analyst must find common ground for everybody involved in the project.

Skills

While having solid technical skills can be a great starting point for someone looking to develop a career in BA, the biggest obstacle for IT professionals interested in pursuing a BA career is the deficiency of well-developed business skills.

Soft skills are the set of skills including the ability to communicate with clarity, precision, and eloquence, qualities of working well with other people, and building effective contacts or relationships throughout the organization.

To all this is added patience, it is very important to have a lot of patience to understand the client’s needs and transform them into tech specifications that can be implemented.

Challenges

The biggest challenge is the difference in how a new task is approached. As a developer, you are usually given all the information required to implement a feature. In contrast, as a business analyst, you are expected to create a clear requirement for the team yourself by piecing together everything necessary to complete the task.

Of course, the most challenging part is when you must deal with the customer when a problem occurs. Some of the hardest moments can be when the client is asking things impossible to answer right away like how long it will take to recover from a crash that never happened, and nobody knows how to fix it. It's complicated because you need to work with the team to investigate but you also need good communication skills to keep the client happy until you can give him something for sure.

Advice for those who want to make a career change

Be prepared for the challenges of this role not only in terms of technical stuff but also for social/communication skills and solving a lot of issues that look impossible to fix at first look.

However, no matter how difficult it may be at first glance, any change must be seen as a new opportunity for growth. One approach can be to go into the role change with the mindset that you're a beginner. Be driven to learn every aspect of your desired role and understand what will not only be required of you but how you can make your addition to this role to benefit those around you. Regardless of your experience, go into your new role with the desire to learn from those who were there before you. Every new experience, problem, and skill goes towards bettering your career and widening your expertise.

Well, a Software Developer can become a Business Analyst. If you’re considering making the switch, it may be useful to ask yourself, “Am I a good Software Developer?” If the answer is yes, think if you would enjoy working on BA tasks. On the other hand, if you think you’re subpar as an SD, then perhaps you would be better suited as a BA.