Business analysis as a profession is relatively young. While the role has been around for some time, evolving from the systems analysts of the 70s and 80s, there are key components required to fill the definition of a profession. While definitions of a profession vary, there are some core concepts that many can agree on. This definition from Professional Standards Councils is typical:
- disciplined group of individuals who adhere to ethical standards
- possesses special knowledge and skills
- recognised body of learning
- recognised by the public
Traditionally, a profession is also characterised by the existence of a professional association and code of ethics.
You can see then, that business analysis can be considered a profession by meeting these characteristics:
- Disciplined group (International Institute of Business Analysis)
- Ethical standards (IIBA Code of Ethical Conduct and Professional Standards)
- Special knowledge, skills, and body of learning (A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge aka BABOK)
Key to the profession is clearly International Institute of Business Analysis, or IIBA, the global non-profit professional association dedicated to business analysis. IIBA generates value for both the profession of business analysis, and the individual business analysis practitioner. While the value of IIBA for the individual may be overt, it is the value to the profession that is less obvious and makes IIBA worth supporting in my view.
IIBA generates value for professional business analysis by:
- hosting local and national events such as Australia’s Festival of Business Analysis and the United States’ Building Business Capability conferences
- advocating for the profession through industry research
- establishing and leading certification programs
- establishing relationships and alliances across broader industry to expand the authority and influence of the profession
WIIFM you ask?
Join, participate and grow in IIBA, and you are helping your own business analysis career, and your profession overall. That can only be win/win for professional business analysis, right?
I’ll write on specifics of certification, volunteering, presenting and more in posts to come.
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