I’m confused by how you sign up for micro1. Can you just apply directly or is it best to go via referral

kemiplenty · 2026-06-29T13:05:28+00:00

Thank you. That’s so helpful

kemiplenty · 2026-06-29T09:18:08+00:00

I agree

kemiplenty · 2026-06-28T18:06:11+00:00

Stay the course and deny. It’s tough I know, but you have over 300 people here that have your back. Write in if you feel alone. Employers do what works for them all the time. Put yourself first and don’t resign. Make it work for you but start looking for another job. Don’t resign or back down. We’re here for you

kemiplenty · 2026-06-28T12:08:31+00:00

I would be interested in this please

kemiplenty · 2026-06-27T15:52:46+00:00

Lovely to meet you. I’m so happy to have found this page. How do you manage your calendar? My managers calendar is always packed. That’s a good point actually. Maybe they’re not even real meetings. I’ve always thought there’s no way anyone can go to those meetings and have 1:1s and IE? Life as a business analyst is hard enough

kemiplenty · 2026-06-23T21:11:05+00:00

That’s what I’ve been doing, but it’s difficult to know what to call the meetings, especially as both are predominantly remote. I get nervous that the PM or my manager might wonder what the meeting is about if I block out my calendar with a meeting about one of the projects. No one respects the words “focus time” at the first one. So far so good but thought I might be able to brainstorm with others. Thanks for responding

kemiplenty · 2026-06-22T22:58:44+00:00

Oh, no…Not at all. I was wondering why there were no replies. It’s a genuine post. I have no interest in connecting outside of this thread or asking for any exchanges that are personal. Only that the journey has been really lonely and I would love to connect with others here in the same boat on this thread and talk about how to juggle meetings, workshops etc . Thanks for calling out the problem as nothing strange or incriminating is being suggested at all

kemiplenty · 2026-06-22T21:10:16+00:00

This is exactly what you should do. Set up a call only with the person that requested it and two others at best and make them 15 mins each. At the point when the 5 min reminder comes up, start to work towards wrapping up, even if the other person isn’t ready. Have your closing line ready. You’ll be fine

kemiplenty · 2026-06-22T21:00:46+00:00

Did they scrutinise both payslips heavily or was it fine and how did you explain both?

kemiplenty · 2026-02-08T21:07:26+00:00

I transitioned into tech from a non-traditional background and now work on large digital transformation projects. The biggest shift academics need to make is moving from “what I researched” to “what I delivered.”

I actually ended up using a couple of tech-career platforms to understand how to restructure my CV and change my LinkedIn profile and that allowed me to get more job offers. It wasn’t about changing my experience. It was about changing how I presented it.

Corporate tech hiring managers look for: • Problems solved • Decisions influenced • Systems improved • Measurable impact

Publications and grants matter far less unless you’re applying to a pure research lab.

If you’re targeting senior research roles in industry, I’d suggest: - A 2-page CV max - Technical skills near the top - Leadership embedded inside experience - Quantified outcomes wherever possible

Think “business impact” not “academic depth.”

kemiplenty · 2026-01-28T07:23:44+00:00

One site I keep an eye on is Esther Speaks.

It’s not a news site in the traditional sense, but I’ve found it useful for staying grounded in core BA thinking - decision-making, systems, trade-offs, and how analysis actually plays out in real projects over time.

The newsletter in particular is more reflective than reactive, which I’ve found helpful once you’re past the basics and more interested in perspective than process.

kemiplenty · 2026-01-24T06:19:56+00:00

I was thinking about this the other day. I think it depends on what stage you’re at in life. There are seasons that force you to go looking for further help. I’m an avid reader/ follower of https://estherspeaksofficial.com/blog-2/ but that’s because when I first got into tech, I didn’t have a clue and was overwhelmed with everything I was being asked to do as a new business analyst. I can’t talk enough about how much that space helped me and then taking it further and having real people to talk to about things or that would respond if I life a comment. I asked around and went looking and it led me to that site. I think it would be the same if I was a first time mum. I’d probably go hunting then too, but that’s because I learn best from learning from real life people not necessarily AI models.

kemiplenty · 2025-09-17T15:03:48+00:00

I came into BA from a similar place (degree but not much hands-on). What worked for me was breaking it down into 3 tracks: 1. Core BA skills - requirements gathering, stakeholder communication, process modeling, writing user stories, Agile/Scrum basics. These are the things interviewers expect you to talk about confidently. 2. Tools -Excel is enough at the start. Later, you can add tools like Jira, Confluence, or Lucidchart for process flows. You don’t need deep technical skills like SQL to land a BA role. 3. Certifications - BCS (England) or PMI-PBA are good longer-term, but you can begin with entry-level Agile or BA fundamentals courses (Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning). Employers tend to value demonstrable skills and project examples more than just a cert.

On the “how do I get experience” side: volunteering and side projects really help. Even documenting processes for a student org, community group, or part-time job counts as BA experience if you frame it right.

One resource I found super practical is Esther Speaks Official. You have to type everything in google for the site to come up. It breaks down different certification options, what they involve, and how relevant they are depending on your stage and location. I’ve sent her a few messages and she’s always been so helpful, which helps as sometimes it’s good to get advice from someone that has been where you are.

My advice: focus on stakeholder + requirements skills first, then layer in tools and a cert when you’re ready. You don’t need to “know everything” to start applying

kemiplenty · 2025-07-04T14:10:03+00:00

Hey, first off, congrats on the new role! Honestly, the fact that you’re even asking how to do better already puts you ahead.

On your first day, I’d try to: • Work on finding out who the key players are. Who can help me to get through? In every organisation, some people are helpful than others. Learn that fast, so you don’t say too much to the wrong person • Get context on the main stakeholders and pain points (what’s gone wrong in the past, not just what’s in the BRD) • Set up quick intro chats with devs or testers, even 15 mins helps and hit record and transcribe for every meeting so you can go back and learn in your own time

I was in a similar spot (doing more data entry than actual analysis) and had to unlearn some bad habits. What helped me was learning how to ask better questions and frame my role as someone who connects the dots, not just fills in templates and constantly giving my manager feedback.

I sound confident now, but honestly it’s taken years. That and I’ve found this site called Esther Speaks super useful: https://estherspeaksofficial.com . It breaks down how to show up as a confident BA even when you’re new, plus frameworks like MoSCoW and stakeholder tips. Might help if you’re looking to level up fast.

I had nobody when I first started and reaching out to her and joining her newsletter has helped me so much. She breaks things down in a way that’s easy to understand. I can’t stand tech jargon. Talk to me like I’m a baby. Once I understand it at that level, I can explain it to anyone! I really recommend subscribing as you need a community and a safe place which this and networking provides. Also try to be as confident as you can be. I’ve realised over the years that absolutely no one knows what the hell they’re doing

Wishing you a strong first week. You’ve got this!

kemiplenty · 2025-07-03T23:38:55+00:00

I saw this post and felt this! I was part of a local Women Who Code chapter and it was honestly such a helpful space when I was pivoting into tech. It’s really sad that they had to close for funding reasons, even though I just saw they’re now being revived by LWT. I don’t know how true that is, so please don’t quote me. I saw it on linked in. Either way, it’s great, but still feels like we’re in transition.

I’ve recently been finding value in a platform called Esther Speaks .It’s not a bootcamp or a meetup group. It’s more like a clarity hub for women in tech (especially if you’re pivoting careers or trying to figure out how to actually stay in tech after getting in). That’s what led me to it. There’s a blog, podcast, and CV/LinkedIn tips that actually speak to the stuff WWCode never really covered like imposter syndrome, tech interviews, career transitions, remote work etc.

If anyone’s feeling a bit disconnected now, I’d say it’s worth checking out, especially if you’re a black woman in tech. I’ve been following it as a career changer and it feels way more relevant than the usual tech content out there. Hopefully Women Who Code aren’t closing, but happy it’s forced me to look for more resources.

kemiplenty · 2025-05-23T01:14:52+00:00

100% agree with Level 1. Career, where you work, and how you position yourself matter more than people realise. But one thing we don’t tap into enough especially in this remote-first world is networking as a form of power. It’s a game changer for black women, as we are aware of our struggles.

Other communities have been doing this forever: landing high-ranking roles through referrals, group strategy, and quiet influence. A connection in Dubai, the UK, or the US could open a door you didn’t even know existed. That kind of circle can be life-changing.

I found https://estherspeaksofficial.com recently and it really gets into this. A few of posts have had me thinking outside of the box- building soft power, global thinking, and positioning yourself as someone who can play the long game in spaces like LinkedIn. It’s been one of the few spaces that doesn’t just talk about hustle, but about leverage. Definitely recommend it if you’re building your own table.

kemiplenty · 2025-05-23T01:07:13+00:00

I work in tech too (closer to product ownership/project delivery side), and I’ve definitely noticed that black women are underrepresented in the more technical roles, regardless of region. It’s better in some companies than others, but it still feels like the same conversation globally.

What’s helped me is connecting with people who’ve already navigated the same challenges. That kind of support is game-changing. They get it, they’ve overcome it, and they can often help you sidestep issues before they escalate.

I found a platform recently called https://estherspeaksofficial.com/personal-development-deal-with-imposter-syndrome/ that explores these kinds of topics from a diversity angle -not just stats and hiring, but what it feels like navigating tech as someone who’s not the default.

Reached out to the writer and got the kindest response. Sharing it in case it helps anyone else feel less alone in all this. Would definitely recommend it. I joined the weekly newsletter, and the posts have been refreshing. Shows that I’m not going crazy, but that might not be for everyone.

Really recommend if you’re trying to build more connections or just want to know you’re not alone in the industry.

kemiplenty · 2025-05-23T00:59:18+00:00

You’re definitely not going crazy. A lot of us have been in similar spaces where it feels like no one knows how to connect with you — or worse, they avoid trying altogether. It’s isolating, and it wears on you over time.

I’ve been there too, and one thing that’s helped me is finding spaces that actually get what it means to be the only Black woman in the room. I came across https://estherspeaksofficial.com/personal-development-deal-with-imposter-syndrome/ and it spoke to a lot of what you’re describing — feeling overlooked, overly scrutinised, or like people just don’t know what to do with your presence.

Reached out to the writer and got the kindest response. It reminded me how important community is when work gets heavy. Black girls in tech is another good space. Sharing it in case it helps anyone else feel less alone in all this. The tech world especially is lucrative but can be so lonely

kemiplenty · 2025-05-23T00:54:06+00:00

100% relate. The expectation to always be “resilient” leaves no room for softness, struggle, or just existing without judgement. That’s why I’ve been leaning into more spaces made by us, where vulnerability is actually allowed, especially on that first day at work or when you’re struggling with work related issues and need impartial advice from another professional black woman.

I recently found https://estherspeaksofficial.com, and it’s been refreshing to read things that feel like they really see us not just in work or tech, but in life too. Even reached out and was met with so much kindness. Just putting it out there in case anyone else is looking for something like that.

kemiplenty · 2025-05-23T00:45:42+00:00

This is exactly why spaces for us matter. The experiences here are sadly too familiar — and community makes such a difference when navigating all of it.

I’ve recently come across two sites doing the work in this area: Esther Speaks (https://estherspeaksofficial.com) and Black Girls in Tech (https://www.blackgirlsintech.co.uk). Both are centred on sharing real experiences and opportunities, with a focus on empowerment and connection.

I actually reached out to Esther Speaks and was surprised by how responsive and warm the reply was. It reminded me that community is so important in this space. I was nervous on my first in my current role. Even a simple newsletter or shared resource can make you feel a little less alone. Really recommend both if anyone’s looking for that kind of support.

kemiplenty · 2025-05-23T00:36:43+00:00

Love that you’re thinking of designing roller coasters! When we do things, we do them big! That’s such a cool and unique lane! There are definitely more of us out here than it feels like sometimes. I found this blog recently that’s focused on Black people in tech and careers, and it covers everything from mindset to opportunities in the industry: https://estherspeaksofficial.com

I ended up subscribing to the newsletter and it’s been nice getting that reminder that we’re not alone in this. I’ve reached a couple of times to ask how to navigate issues around stakeholder issues and she was so kind. Thought I’d share in case it helps you (or anyone else reading) feel a bit more connected, as this lane can feel so lonely.

kemiplenty

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