Business analyst interview tips

[OneRoseBee]

Hello,

I have a BA interview this week and looking for some advice. I have 8 years of developer experience and wanted to switch to BA so did a course, got certified and did a internship project for 3 months offered as part of the course. My course mentor is advising me to add the internship experience as actual paid BA job.

My question I, in the interview if I mention the internship, will it reduce my chances of getting the job? I hate lying about work experience as it reduces my confidence while talking.

Any hiring managers, BAs out there that can offer some advise?

Hi OP. Do you mean should you mention the internship and that it was paid? Or should you not mention the internship at all?

The internship was unpaid. My question is if I should mention internship at all. The companies look for experienced BAs and I feel they might not value/consider internship as a real experience.

But it's the only BA experience you have? I've struggled to recruit the kind of BA I need for various reasons, including lack of work experience but I'd rate your background as a developer very highly. One applicant was looking for his first BA role, was currently employed as a train guard, so I think your background is big advantage. I'd definitely mention the internship.

I wouldn't lie and say it was a paid role, if that is what you are asking. Put that it was an internship, but make it clear what you achieved during that time.

Most interviews will ask questions so that you explain how you approach scenarios you are likely to encounter as a BA:

• describe a situation in which you managed conflict between stakeholders
• describe a situation in which you identified and make an change to your organisation

You can answer with experience from both your internship or your previous role.

Practice with the job role by thinking of scenarios you have worked in the past relevant to what they are asking for.