Looking back on my career as a Business Analyst, it’s amazing to see how much I’ve grown. My journey began right after finishing my Bachelor’s degree in IT, while I was also working on my Master’s in Data Science. The internship I got was more than just a start; it was a key moment that shaped my career. 

Starting my internship, I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed. Balancing the theories from my studies with the real-world demands of the job was challenging but rewarding. I was lucky to have a mentor who guided me through the details of system design and architecture. Thanks to my mentor and my team, I learned not just how systems work, but why they are designed in certain ways. 

During this time, I picked up a lot of important skills. I learned about system design, system architecture, and how to turn business needs into technical requirements. It was a great chance to get hands-on with coding and understand business processes. I also gained valuable knowledge in business and technical mapping, which helped me connect technical teams with business needs.

One of the best parts of the internship was working with experienced professionals. It helped me see different ways to solve problems. I learned that asking questions, even basic ones, was key to my growth. Every conversation with developers, project managers, and other business analysts taught me something new.

After my internship, moving into a full-time Business Analyst role was exciting. I soon realized that managing multiple projects and taking responsibility for them was challenging, but it gave me a great chance to grow and build new skills. This experience taught me how important it is to step out of my comfort zone.

Managing several projects at once helped me master prioritization and time management. Each project had its own challenges and deadlines, and I had to learn to balance them effectively. This time was all about learning quickly and adapting. I found that challenging myself beyond what I was used to led to the most significant growth and progress.

In the beginning, my soft skills were a weak spot. I found it hard to ask the right questions, delegate tasks, and manage my time effectively. Communicating with stakeholders was also difficult. However, with the support of the company’s culture, I improved significantly. I learned to ask better questions, delegate tasks efficiently, and manage my time well. My communication with stakeholders has also become much smoother. Looking back, I can now see how the continuous feedback and collaborative environment helped me grow and communicate much more effectively.

One major lesson was the importance of a proactive attitude. With tight deadlines and overlapping projects, staying organized and keeping communication open were essential. Staying positive, even when things didn’t go as planned, also made a big difference in my growth.

Facing challenges with enthusiasm made a big difference in my development. 

Tips for success and lessons learned 

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way that might help anyone in a similar role: 

1. Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Talking with colleagues from different teams—like developers, project managers, or designers—can provide valuable insights and improve your understanding of a project.
2. Embrace different projects – Working on projects from various industries gives you a broader perspective and helps you grow professionally. Each project comes with its own challenges and learning opportunities.
3. Take initiative – Don’t wait to be told what to do. Taking ownership of your work builds confidence and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
4. Be open to feedback – Constructive feedback is an excellent tool for growth. Listen with an open mind and use it to improve your skills and approach.
5. Stay organized – Time management and organization are key when handling multiple projects. Whether it’s detailed planning, regular check-ins, or setting clear priorities, find strategies that work best for you.

Looking back, I’m thankful for the experiences and challenges that have shaped my career. From learning during my internship to handling the real-world challenges of being a full-time Business Analyst, each step has helped me grow professionally. I’m excited for the future and the opportunities ahead, and I’m eager to keep moving forward with the same passion and drive for success.

Mariana Dicusar, Business Analyst