BoredPerson Posted February 17, 2009 Posted February 17, 2009 I got recruited by a large company in a general intake.They're placed me in a section where I will be performing some of the duties of a Business Analyst and working directly under the Senior Business Analyst. I have very little knowledge of software development, but just enough to know how ridiculous it is to have me in that role. Basically, they didn't get an IT graduate apply so they picked me because I'd done some web development. As a hobby which is retarded, that is like, hiring someone to be a mechanical engineer because they listed motor sports as a hobby. Basically I have no hope of not get fired. But basically you can't quit a job the way things are in the economy right now. What should I do ? They seem pretty intent on the fact that you stay where you get put. But this isn't a case of me not liking the position this is just a retarded case of they should have organized it better and gotten someone with a 4 year degree in software engineering... I just can't believe how the hell I can just get poofed into an area that requires such a strong technical background, without having ANY sort of technical background at all. 'Oh but you listed programming as a hobby'. Yes as a hobby. I can create and object called 'circle' What should I do ? I feel like I am the victim of a monumental **** up.
chardonnay Posted February 17, 2009 Posted February 17, 2009 I know a few "business analysts"... and they aren't programmers or have degrees in software engineering. (I am a programmer and I do have a degree). Basically all they do is write documents of what the software should do... I think you are worrying for nothing - they would not have given you this job if they didn't think you could do it. Why not take the opportunity to learn and do well? They should give you some time to get up to speed considering your lack of experience. If you really hate it, do say something, or look for something more suited to you while doing your best at this job...
Author BoredPerson Posted February 17, 2009 Author Posted February 17, 2009 I know a few "business analysts"... and they aren't programmers or have degrees in software engineering. (I am a programmer and I do have a degree). Basically all they do is write documents of what the software should do... I think you are worrying for nothing - they would not have given you this job if they didn't think you could do it. They should give you some time to get up to speed considering your lack of experience. If you really hate it, do say something, or look for something more suited to you while doing your best at this job... Why not take the opportunity to learn and do well? I intend to but no one is going to hire a BA without at least a com sci degree. The other thing is what good am I if I do not understand software, why not just have the developers speak directly to the client ? Why not have an experienced tech support who understands end user issues do the job ? I am also first University graduate they're ever had. The next junior person is my boss, who is the senior business analyst who has 10 year of development experience before becoming a BA which is what I was under the impression of that BA's are engineers, programmers, accountants or other people of technical backgrounds who have made a change. Okay if you say they only do documents I can do that... and I'd enjoy it too by the look of the finished products I was shown today. Very scary to go from what was essentially customer service role to something else. I panicked. I can produce booklets easily and with great speed too lol.
andwhoknew Posted February 18, 2009 Posted February 18, 2009 The other thing is what good am I if I do not understand software, why not just have the developers speak directly to the client ? Why not have an experienced tech support who understands end user issues do the job ? I'm an analyst. Have you met any developers lately? They don't speak English. They speak programmer-ese. It is your job to translate that into English. Clients don't speak English either. They speak gimme-now-ese. It's your job to translate that into requirements for development and explain development's technical constraints to the client. You need to understand business processes. You do not need to know how to program. Based on your posts, I agree you may not be the right person for this job. Not because of your non-technical background, but because you don't understand what's expected of you. Try to find that out, and learn something from it. You may be surprised at the abilities you do have to do a good job. And -- everyone feels like an incompetent fraud at some point. It's supposed to be a closely guarded secret until the feeling passes
quankanne Posted February 18, 2009 Posted February 18, 2009 would they be willing to send you for training? I know one of the bigger companies back home offers its' employees incentives to get their master's degree, which benefits THEM in the long run. It might be worth asking about, or even check with your university to see if they offer courses in the areas you feel you are weak in, and look into those. my guess is that your employees will see this as you wanting to build a stronger workplace ...
Author BoredPerson Posted February 18, 2009 Author Posted February 18, 2009 Yes I have met developer they're all contractors making so many hundred dollars an hour and they're all over 45. The other day one of them walked up to me and said ' I am the bla bla bla, from bla bla bla' then looked at my like I was supposed to be impressed. Then he said some acronym which sounded right so I said yes and then he walked off looking smug. I hope I never have to see him again. My level of incompetence is truly breathtaking at this stage They're actually paying me good money to be completely and utterly useless.
Author BoredPerson Posted February 18, 2009 Author Posted February 18, 2009 From what I understand the business practice is this : Do something in executive speak so they give you money. That is what they told me...
quankanne Posted February 18, 2009 Posted February 18, 2009 Do something in executive speak so they give you money. That is what they told me... :laugh: that's too funny ... and unfortunately, too true. look at it this way: They probably realized some potential in you that you don't see yourself, and them hiring you is their act of faith in a valuable employee who will grow in knowledge and skill over time.
Author BoredPerson Posted February 19, 2009 Author Posted February 19, 2009 I don't know what is wrong with me I think I have an anxiety problem. This job is awesome and I am getting some exposure to some awesome experience most people won't get. They're working on some stuff that seems very, very cool to me right now.
chardonnay Posted February 20, 2009 Posted February 20, 2009 It's natural to be a bit anxious when you start a new job. But sounds like you realise it's a good opportunity. Make the most of it, good luck!
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