What do you enjoy most about your business systems analyst career?

What do you enjoy most about being a business systems analyst? What do you dislike the most? Is it challenging? Are there many opportunities to learn and advance?

What keeps you at your job?

problem solving, that's the reason why I became a business systems analyst

After a 25+year career as a Business Systems Analyst, I can say that the key rewards have been 1)being well paid, 2)interesting work 3)continued demand.
If you are curious about processes and the dynamics of business, it is a constant learning lab. You get to work with a variety of interesting people. I could never cut it as a programmer/developer, but the BSA role is to be the laision between the "real Techies" and the end user. There is still a huge demand, especially if one is willing to work as a contractor (high pay, no benefits, short term projects).
I've been semi-retired for 3 years, but would love to work as a part-time Business Systems Analyst. Unfortunately, there are no part time jobs for professionals in the IT area - at least not around here (West of Boston).

Hi Denoonan, how do you get your first job as Business Systems Analyst? I've been searching the BSA or Analyst Programmer jobs in Seattle Puget Sound area and sent my resume to a dozen of companies in last few months but no reply at all. Do you have any suggestion to me? Is there any easier way to become a Systems Analyst?

Jimbo, Breaking-in to any field is tough, and this is not an easy time for jobseekers. If you are sending e-mail resumes I think it is a waste of time, since most job requisitions call for specific experience. If you don't have it, you resume goes into the round file. In other words, try to avoid going through HR dept.
Use any connections you have to get introductions/interviews. Talk to people. Relatives, friends, even strangers at Starbucks to Keep at it - persistence and determination are the key traits for success. Important: If anyone helps you, send them a thank you note.
Read the business news in your locale, if you see a company that looks like it is growing, call their 800 number and ask for the name of the Chief Information Officer - then send him/her a letter (not an email)convincing them that they should hire you. Chances are they will pass it along to a subordinate who will actually read it. This improves your chances of being seen.
Hope this helps. Don't give up.

Hi Denoonan, your advice is very similar to what I have read in the book: What Color is Your Parachute. Last few months, I focused on big companies. For next few months, I shall focus on small computer software companies. In your opinion, for smaller companies (with 50 or fewer employees), is it OK to come to their office and knock their door before I have made any letter or telephone contact to them? Is it impolite to them their door?

Jimbo in Seattle, Washington said: is it OK to come to their office and knock their door before I have made any letter or telephone contact to them? Is it impolite to them their door?

I think such "cold calling" for a job is a waste of time at best; and, could be viewed as an annoying unscheduled interruption for anyone who is busy.
I think you would actually do better to hang around a local coffee shop and casually talk to fellow patrons who (like you) are dressed for work. Have today's WSJ in front of you, and say something like, "Boy what a crappy time to be looking for a job..." If a conversation develops, mention that you are looking for a BSA job. Practice telling people what you want to do in 12-15 words. ("I'm looking for an entry level career opportunity as a business systems analyst.") Longer than that and they lose interest. No life stories, no religious references, no visible tattoos. If they seem interested in helping, you have a "lead". Hand them your resume and business card. If anyone helps you, thank them warmly with a timely e-mail or handwritten note.
This really is a crappy time to be looking for a job, especially an entry level position, so do not get discouraged. At a 6% unemployment rate, 94% of the people who want to work are still employed. I think your strategy of targeting smaller coompanies is a good one; find the ones that are still growing - they're out there. Good luck.

I like writing the requirements documents. Just get the information in the JAD sessions and write it up. Testing is the most boring for me.