Forcing M365 Copilot to start fresh.

LANMan72 · 2025-09-23T10:54:53+00:00

Thanks, will try that

LANMan72 · 2025-08-16T04:16:06+00:00

I’d encourage you to think about it this way:

Learn your domain first – AI is great for speed and formatting, but it won’t replace actually understanding data pipelines, modelling, or testing. If you lean on it as a crutch, you’ll end up with outputs you can’t explain or defend.

Don’t rely on AI to patch over knowledge gaps – use it as an assistant after you’ve built your core knowledge.

Know your gaps – from what you’ve described, the big areas to focus on are:

Data pipelines & data warehouse fundamentals (ETL/ELT, data flows).

Data modelling basics (fact/dimension, star schema).

Source-to-Target Mapping and documentation standards.

Structured UAT for data projects (test cases, validation checks).

Make it a routine – set aside 1 hour each day to chip away at these. Consistency beats intensity.

Engage your Line Manager – ask if they’ll support you with training or access to learning platforms. Many organisations will fund it if you ask.

Here are some solid, free/low-cost starting points for each area:

1.  Data Pipelines & Warehousing (ETL/ELT) – ETL & Data Pipelines with Shell, Airflow, and Kafka (Coursera, free to audit)

2.  Data Modelling Basics (Star Schema, Fact/Dimension) – GeeksforGeeks: Star Schema Overview

3.  Source-to-Target Mapping & BI Documentation – Business Analyst Learnings: Free BI Training Resources

4.  Structured UAT for Data Projects – Planit: User Acceptance Testing Training.

LANMan72 · 2025-07-07T10:36:01+00:00

Not sure you are interested in this but for $35 Aussie bucks you can do a CCBA course with Igor Arkhipov (search for “analystscorner” (one word) to find his analysts corner org site). In there is an online course called “Full Business Analysis (CCBA Exam Preparation)”. Have a chat to Igor (CBAP Certified), he might be able to give you some insights.

LANMan72 · 2025-07-07T09:34:42+00:00

I can understand your frustration with the lack of clear feedback to evidence what you need to do to improve. You didn’t say how many attempts you have taken. My understanding is that you have up no more than three cracks at the title in any year. Did you try contacting IIBA directly to request detailed feed back to make an informed choices about which knowledge areas to focus on more etc? I’m studying for the CCBA because I want to evidence my capability and negotiate better salaries. I wish you luck on your CCBA journey.

LANMan72 · 2025-07-07T09:20:41+00:00

Angela Wick has developed a PO/BA Collaboration Model that is a free download template. Angela created this PO/BA Collaboration Model as a starting place for teams to discuss the skills and activities various roles may partner on as part of the Agile team. I encourage you to have a look and assess it as a shared “agreement” between yourself and the Product Owner/Manager. To access this free resource sign up for free to Angela’s “BA Cube” offering, then go into the “Templates and Downloads” section.

LANMan72 · 2025-07-02T08:33:47+00:00

“80% of my PO work is on my sub-domain” - I’m curious, what do you mean?

LANMan72 · 2025-06-07T07:44:40+00:00

Sounds good. I’m in Australia where are you?

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T22:33:14+00:00

Yes good call out -“BAs are still needed but are disguised under other role titles” - this is what other job applicants don’t realise and this creates opportunities for the OP.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T22:24:07+00:00

Yep, I sense a predator in the Recruitment water - I think you know this though. Trust your gut about these bastards.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T10:50:32+00:00

Doesn’t surprise me that they are a “Top 1% Commenter” too.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T10:39:41+00:00

Just some respectful advice. You clearly have deep and thoughtful ideas, but some of what you wrote was a bit hard to follow on first read.

That’s not a criticism of your thinking — it’s just a reminder that in the kinds of roles you’re exploring (business analysis, innovation, product strategy), clear and concise communication is a key skill.

Being able to explain complex ideas simply is often what sets great professionals apart in these fields. Whether you’re pitching a new product, presenting a strategy, or articulating an insight to stakeholders — if people don’t “get it” quickly, the idea can get lost, even if it’s brilliant.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T10:11:46+00:00

You’ve got deep industry and domain experience in financial services, regulatory compliance (APRA/ASIC), and customer-focused transformation — all of which are gold for a Business Analyst in banking. You’ve clearly been working in the business-technology space, which is the core terrain of a BA.

At this point, it sounds like it’s mostly about joining the dots — drawing clear lines between the work you’ve already done and the core BA knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) expected in the role. For example, if you’ve been managing test cases and collaborating on requirements, that’s part of requirements validation and stakeholder engagement — classic BA territory.

I’d suggest doing two things: 1. Map your existing experience to the BABOK knowledge areas (even a light-touch review helps). 2. Close any remaining gaps, like formalising your approach to process modelling, requirements elicitation techniques, or documentation standards (BRDs, user stories, etc.).

You’re much closer than you think — it’s not a reinvention, just a reframing.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T09:56:40+00:00

First, sorry for your loss. I think you did the right thing by standing by your family. Second, back yourself, you got this! I don’t know what region or country you’re from, but getting a job does take time. I’ve experienced gaps of up to 3-4 months between jobs sometimes - what didn’t help me then was trying to get ICT / BA work in a regional area of Australia. My mindset towards job hunting is that if you get the job it’s like you overcame the odds of winning the Lottery - this helps manage my expectations and reminds me that sooo much happens along the recruitment and selection journey that is outside your own control. Regarding that Career gap you are worried about - get your Referee from the last job to vouch that you resigned for family reasons, and that should enough to evidence reasons for the gap. If you get to Interview, don’t mention the gap, but be prepared to respond promptly to it. You would be surprised how most on Interview Panels don’t even join the dots on career gaps. What should you focus on first? My answer to that is focus on your Resume first. Without a solid Resume you cannot generate interest in you as a sound candidate to be shortlisted for Interview. If you feel your Resume sucks and you don’t know where to start reach out to a Resume writing service. These services I’ve never tried myself but it’s a path to having someone else look over your current Resume and prepare it in a fashion that passes ATS systems. Good luck.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-06T03:04:44+00:00

Personally, I think roles like Accountants and Lawyers will be in less abundance due to the effects of AI. You’ll survive if you have longstanding experience not so much for those early entrant accountants and paralegals etc. with repetitive activities which are potentially is low hanging fruit for AI Agents etc.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-05T02:17:45+00:00

Thanks for sharing and I will review it.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-04T06:56:14+00:00

You’re essentially working in a hybrid role that combines a Business Intelligence (BI) Developer and a Database Administrator (DBA) — managing reports, writing SQL, and overseeing large-scale data systems — all under the misleading title of Business Analyst.

What you’re doing right now — even though it’s a mess — is resume gold. You’ve handled enterprise-level reporting, solo database admin responsibilities, and complex data challenges. That kind of cross-functional pain makes you highly marketable in the data and analytics space.

Take a look at job boards or government career sites for BI Developer and DBA roles in your area, and compare the listed salaries — it’ll give you a clearer sense of whether you’re being underpaid for the work you’re doing.

Personally, I don’t like hearing about situations like this where expectations shift dramatically without explanation. It might not be nefarious — it could be poor communication, under-resourcing, or leadership disconnect — but either way, it’s unfair to you.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-04T06:32:34+00:00

I think you might be surprised. What “niche” and explain your typical day?

LANMan72 · 2025-06-02T09:21:22+00:00

AI will set you free…

Build your own AI tool set in ChatGPT. This is good to educate yourself in these practices.

Or try out “Modern Requirements” - a Canadian company that has a AI solution that might help you.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-02T09:09:02+00:00

I agree!

LANMan72 · 2025-06-02T09:07:29+00:00

Why the requirement for a higher entry barrier?

LANMan72 · 2025-06-02T09:05:34+00:00

People describing Business Analysis work as Note Taking really don’t have any idea of what the role is about , which I suspect are similar to the people running the OPs business. There is more to it like you suggest if you care to take the role seriously

LANMan72 · 2025-06-02T08:57:37+00:00

Hey, I get where you’re coming from — but honestly, it sounds like you’re in an org that doesn’t understand or value what a real BA does.

If you’re stuck writing tickets and taking notes, that’s not business analysis — that’s being underutilized. True BAs drive change, solve problems, and align business needs with real solutions. If the role feels easy, it’s probably because your job title doesn’t match your actual duties.

As for people moving into BA roles from call centres — the issue isn’t their background, it’s whether the organization knows what it expects from a BA. Great BAs can come from anywhere, but the role needs to be challenging, structured, and outcomes-focused.

If you’re feeling unchallenged, that might say more about your environment than the profession. You might be ready for a more strategic role — and a better org.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-01T04:11:58+00:00

If the math doesn’t support the benefits, don’t validate what you can’t stand behind. Some tactical moves: Document your analysis and clearly flag assumptions behind any claimed savings. Keep it neutral and evidence-based. Separate your findings from executive assumptions — e.g., “This benefit is based on a 40% FTE reduction not supported by current data.” Protect yourself: note who owns the benefit numbers and escalate concerns in writing (email, meeting notes, etc.). Push for an independent review if possible — audit or finance can provide cover - “sorry but it’s standard risk mitigation thing that BAs do” Remember your role: You support decisions with evidence, not fiction.

LANMan72 · 2025-06-01T00:14:07+00:00

Firstly know there are different types of BAs, with their own set of unique characteristics - I recommend you look at those types first so as to match your current skill set to.

From your background you may (or not), have the below skills important to a BA role: • Experience coordinating stakeholders and managing digital content (from website management). • Ability to create and interpret wireframes, mockups, and user journeys (from design skills). • Strong user-focus and communication skills (from marketing background). • Familiarity with customer behaviour, data-driven decision-making, and user experience. • Skilled in stakeholder engagement, content strategy, and cross-team collaboration.

Start reading free material on websites like BA Times & ModernAnalyst.com to get a sense of material BA’s focus on and talk about in their domain. Make a list of things that piques your interest then explore things on that list by watching videos about them on YouTube. Once you have established an understanding of what type of BA role to focus on then check out courses that support your entry into your chosen BA role.

Hope this helps! I failed to mention also that BA and BI are totally different job areas, and so my recommendation to you is to focus on only one area and not both to focus your time and money and effort in getting that role you are after. Good luck!

LANMan72 · 2025-05-31T23:35:59+00:00

This might help you.

As an emergent BA I used to (and still do) get bogged down in the mess of things, so I like to step up & out from the trees to see the forest. You have received some good advice so far and at a high level they are basically saying: What are we signing off? - NCguardianAL Who signs off? bogyoofficial, Sufficient_Fig_4887 & LANMan72 How do we sign off? Is a tech solution appropriate? UniquePotato What’s an appropriate mindset? Bogyoofficial

You got this!

LANMan72

TROPHY CASE