Our guest, Maria Montgomery, is a business analysis expert from Australia, who has been in the field for over a decade. Maria expresses her passion for coaching and sharing her knowledge through her book on business analysis: The Art of Getting Business Analysis Right Maria shares a graphic representing different career paths in business analysis. She explains that career progressions in business analysis are similar to technical analysis, but with some distinctions. Technical analysts tend to focus on technical knowledge and may progress into technical or management roles. Business analysts, on the other hand, have a broader range of career paths, including lead business analyst roles, strategic analysis, business architecture, and relationship building. The conversation explores the role of relationship building in business analysis, which is becoming increasingly important in agile environments. Maria mentions the emergence of roles such as technology engagement partners, who bridge the gap between technology and business, helping to align projects with business objectives. The discussion also highlights the importance of communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills in relationship building. Maria shares her own role as a technology engagement manager, where she focuses on building relationships and acting as a conduit between technology and business. Maria advises helping individuals grow in the areas they enjoy rather than forcing them into management roles. She suggests exploring paths such as lead business analyst, strategic analysis, business architecture, or pursuing roles that involve technology and business integration. RESOURCES: - Book - The Art of Getting Business Analysis Right - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYYS13Z2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_751ZX7YP94WY0MTJ495P - IIBA’s Business Analysis Specialization Diagram - https://www.iiba.org/career-resources/business-analysis-specialization/ - Maria Montgomery's website - https://www.mariamontgomery.net/ - Watch the video podcast version to view the career progression diagram - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3a2P-l8bwA Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at [email protected] or leave us a voice message on our podcast homepage. Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.  Learn more at https://www.iiba.org/  #businessanalysis #career #careerpath --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iiba-org/message