Life as … a Business Analyst– Aline Flamant
The majority of our Tobania world (called “the galaxy” according to our Tobians) is populated by our consultants. Each with their own expertise strapped to their backpacks, they head out to our client’s workplace to deliver targeted projects. Perhaps at yours as well? Well, time to get to know them personally! Featured in this edition: Aline Flamant, Business Analyst.
What makes working as a Business Analyst so unique?
Well, the fact that there is often no typical working day. And in fact, there is no typical project either. There will always be new challenges, new sub-projects and new problems to solve. I love that dynamic aspect!
How would your colleagues describe you?
From previous conversations, I have heard them describe me as someone who is enthusiastic, independent, flexible, positive and helpful. One who is open to feedback and has a genuine interest and curiosity to move forward.
Who inspires you?
There is honestly no one specific person who inspires me, although I always look up to individuals who find their great passion reflected in their work. Among colleagues, I often look up to good leadership.
What is your go-to productivity trick?
A classic, but to-do lists are still a keeper for me. Besides, although it is not always easy, it helps to set fixed time slots in your calendar and maybe even put yourself on the status “busy” in Teams to work concentrated on one specific topic. While others need routine, variety of environment does the trick for me. And a yummy drink or snack often makes it just a little more pleasant too. Finally, I would say you should be able to shut down the computer if you run out of concentration (obviously not at 14h00, but you get my point!) and have an extra productive day the day after.
“Use problem-solving and critical thinking, and, if necessary, dare to ask the “why” question about 100 times.”
How can you stand out as a Business Analyst?
Being able to use problem-solving and critical thinking, and, if necessary, dare to ask the “why” question about 100 times. Interpersonal and communication skills are also extremely valuable, in my opinion. You work with different teams and people, and must be able to bridge the gap between business and IT.
How did your career path look like?
After my studies, I started working as a Multicompany Management Trainee. I was able to enjoy trainings and coaching while working on different projects in completely different environments, which was very interesting. During my last project, I was assigned the role of a Business Analyst. After my traineeship, I realised that I liked working on different projects, and I was happy with that last job role as a Business Analyst. So, here I am: working at Tobania for a little over a year.
“At the beginning of my career, I would have told myself that it is truly okay to dare to speak up.”
If you could go back in time. What would you say to yourself at the beginning of your career?
Maybe I would say that I should have been a bit more daring and that it is truly okay to dare to speak my mind. But fortunately, that awareness comes along with age.
What gives you a professional high?
If I somehow sense that I can leave a mark and make an impact. This can range from completing a project properly, to helping someone with something smaller, to being able to bring an idea to the table that is adopted, and so on.
Do you have any mentors in your professional life?
At Tobania, we have a mentor, and that contact is very valuable! Furthermore, I don’t have one specific mentor, but in any case, I always try to pick up and learn a lot from colleagues on my projects. The experience they often have is hugely rewarding.
Do you aspire to be a mentor for others?
Absolutely! I have always told myself that in the long run I want to be able to pass on my knowledge, whatever it may be at the time, to others. I think I would get a lot of satisfaction from doing so.
What skill did you develop over your career that was worth all the effort?
My adaptability. By working on different projects all the time, you learn to integrate yourself quickly, absorb new knowledge swiftly, and just be flexible. I also hope that through these experiences I can approach projects with new-found perspectives and therefore perhaps see things in a whole different light, for example.
What does your desired future look like?
I want to learn, bring value and do what I love every day. Sounds massively fluffy, but it’s the honest truth. What exactly that will entail is also still fuzzy for me, but that keeps it interesting.
“In theory, Tobania is a big company, but to me it feels like a smaller community in which everyone is approachable.”
Why should fellow Business Analysts join you at Tobania?
I find the colleagues at Tobania to be all very open in terms of knowledge sharing. It is truly valuable to learn from consultants with extended experience. The atmosphere is also very pleasant at Tobania. No elbow work here, super enjoyable events, and fun and interesting initiatives. In theory it’s a big company, but to me it feels like a smaller community in which everyone is approachable. So, just do it!
