This interactive workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and strategies needed to transition into a Business Analyst (BA) role.
Through a combination of presentations, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the BA role, acquire key skills, and develop actionable plans for their career transition.
Key Takeaways
- Essential Skills for a Business Analyst Soft Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and negotiation skills are vital. Hard Skills: Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Excel, SQL), familiarity with technical tools (e.g., JIRA, Tableau), and understanding business processes (e.g., BPMN).
- Building Practical Experience Hands-On Experience: Gain experience through internships, volunteer projects, and transitional roles. Freelancing and Contract Work: Short-term projects can help build a portfolio and gain real-world experience.
- Networking and Professional Development Professional Organizations: Join groups like the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) for networking and development opportunities. Effective Networking: Attend conferences, meetups, and seek mentorship to expand your professional network and gain insights.
About the Speakers
Lungile Mnguni is an accomplished Lead Business Analyst in the Banking sector, an emerging through leader who is also a global speaker. She is recognized for her exceptional skills and active involvement with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). With over 12 years of experience across 14 African countries, she’s a driving force behind business transformation and operational excellence. Lungile is currently pursuing a second degree in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town, specializing in Business and Systems Analysis. Her education equips her with advanced insights into information systems, enhancing her proficiency in her current role and prospects.
In her capacity as a Lead Business Analyst, Lungile’s expertise extends across various domains including retail banking, wealth management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. Her role involves close collaboration with stakeholders, seamlessly bridging the gap between business needs and technological solutions. She conducts meticulous business process analysis, evaluates system functionalities, and offers innovative solutions to intricate business challenges, ensuring timely and budget-conscious project delivery. An active member of the IIBA, Lungile is dedicated to professional development and industry enhancement. Through participation in workshops, conferences, and networking events, she remains up to date with the latest trends and methodologies in business analysis.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lungile is passionate about mentoring aspiring analysts and contributing to initiatives that promote business literacy within communities. Lungile’s commitment to lifelong learning, coupled with her profound business insight and technical competence, has solidified her reputation as a reliable advisor within her organization. Her ability to articulate complex ideas clearly empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and drive business success.
Matuma Petunia Langa stands as a paragon of excellence and leadership in the field of Business Analysis, currently holding the esteemed position of Provincial Lead at the Institute of Business Analysts. Her strategic decision to join IIBA-SA was driven by a visionary commitment to elevate and empower business analyst professionals across South Africa. With an unrelenting dedication to fostering opportunities for individuals to excel and make impactful societal contributions, she lives by the credo: “A leader’s responsibility in our society is to unlock the potential in all its various forms.”
In her illustrious career, Petunia has distinguished herself as a formidable woman in leadership, a dynamic event host, and a compassionate philanthropist. As the founding director of Miss Mapela Ambassador, a transformative pageant in Mapela village, Limpopo, she champions the empowerment of young women, inspiring them to become agents of change in their communities. Her role as a mental health activist further underscores her commitment to societal well-being, as she tirelessly advocates for mental health awareness and the eradication of related stigmas.