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I made the transition a year ago and here are some thoughts and resources.
My general background is IT, have rudimentary knowledge of Oracle databases
and terminology, took a SQL course, use TOAD/SQL Developer, have been
involved in Testing, writing Test Plans, Test Plan Outlines (very similar to
Use Cases), and took a BA course local to me in the DC area ( http://www.requirementsinc.com/ Srinivas, the course instructor is VERY
knowledgeable in all he teaches). I've also been in the technical writing
or training game since 1999 and I have a B.A in English.
If you are familiar with any Rational Programs, Version Manager, DOORS or
any requirements management tools those are all very big plusses and
highlight them on your resume. It also is beneficial to have ISO, CMMI, or
ITIL as well. Each organization is different and doesn't use them all, or
any of them so take that int consideration as well. Each organization is
going to look for certain items from their candidates and I don't think
anyone is going to have everything they seek either so not having them all
isn't going to kill you; I know I don't!
I've been to an IIBA meeting (http://www.theiiba.org/) at the local chapter
in DC as a non-member and am attaching a PDF of the presentation they gave.
It describes the BA role and the top 28 BA competencies companies find most
valuable from them. Also look for the BABOK 1.6 (free before it goes 2.0)
for a structure of which the IIBA preaches.
I think Amy has a valid point in that you might not need courses if you can
tailor your resume to the job. I believe if you can demonstrate problem
solving skills, effective communication, a customer focus, and a
solid documentation skill set you should have a very good fighting chance.
Any project management skills aren't going to hurt either. The IIBA has a
list of endorsed education providers and do know that BU is one of them.
In case you want to search some forums or view some online resources, these
are some I have kept in my favorites folder:
BA Times http://www.batimes.com/
Requirements Network Group http://www.requirementsnetwork.com/
IBM Use Case Tutorial (6 hrs long) http://www3.software.ibm.com/ibmdl/pub/software/rational/web/pres/ucase.html
Interesting Requirements Resource http://www.jiludwig.com/
Modern Analyst http://www.modernanalyst.com/
Catalyze http://www.catalyze.org/
HTH, best of luck, and enjoy it if you land a BA job!
Henry
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