Daria’s passion for her work shines through as she tackles new challenges and explores various projects across different industries. It’s all about making a real impact and finding innovative solutions that truly make a difference for Daria Dremliuga, and she’s rocking it!
Who are you, in your own words?
I would describe myself as a combination of a detective and a doctor. In my role as a detective, I elicit information and conduct a thorough analysis, much like piecing together a puzzle. It’s like uncovering clues to understand the bigger picture.
Once I have identified the problems and pain points plaguing the business or its customers, I transition into the role of a doctor, focusing on diagnosing their root causes. And just like a doctor prescribes treatment, I provide software solutions tailored to address these issues effectively.
How would you describe your job?
As a senior Business Analyst, my job entails gaining a thorough understanding of our clients’ business needs and translating them into technical requirements for our team of developers.
In essence, I serve as a bridge, forging connections between various aspects and identifying opportunities for growth and enhanced efficiency. My ultimate goal is to consistently deliver optimal results for our clients.
What excites you about being a business analyst?
As an enthusiastic learner, what truly excites me is the constant opportunity to delve into diverse domains and acquire new knowledge daily. The dynamic nature of this role ensures that no two days are alike. With each new project, I am faced with unique challenges and situations that demand a flexible and adaptive approach.
Moreover, being a business analyst allows me to unleash my creativity while actively engaging with various stakeholders. This combination of focused work and human interaction makes my job a deeply satisfying experience.
What led you to this career?
I first learned about the business analyst career on a Career Day at university. We were visited by an IT company that held a presentation about a day in the life of a business analyst, and I was hooked. I loved the variety the job offered and the chance to learn constantly.
Another reason I chose this career is that I wanted to make a tangible impact. Seeing the result of my work as a working software project, even in the form of documentation, is fulfilling. I wanted to create something that could make a difference and influence decisions.
I’m a bit of a perfectionist and enjoy working with information, organizing it, and creating visualizations. Beautiful documents make me really happy *smiles.*
I have to admit my love for online games played a part too. At that time, I administered a game with a big player base, which gave me a taste of what it’s like to engage and have a fulfilling experience, and I wanted to find a career that could provide that same satisfaction.
How were your first weeks at Syndicode?
To be honest, this time is a bit of a blur in my memory. It was during the onset of a crisis, and my previous employer was struggling. I was about to complete my master’s degree and needed a stable job, so I applied everywhere I could. That’s when I had my first interview at Syndicode.
What stood out to me during that interview was how knowledgeable and sincere the business analyst, Yana, was. Additionally, the recruiter was friendly and treated me like an individual, not just another face in the crowd. That personal touch meant a lot to me.
After going through the onboarding process, I was thrilled to receive my first project. It was an exciting moment, and I was eager to dive in and make a meaningful contribution.
How did the team welcome you?
I must say, the team made me feel right at home from the beginning. The onboarding process was incredibly smooth. I dove right into studying the current projects at the company, attending meetings, and actively participating in discussions. It didn’t take long for me to grasp the way people in the company think, their values, and their goals.
Once I understood the context well, I began meeting with specific team members and stakeholders to delve deeper into their needs and requirements.
Tell us about your typical day
I like to start my day early, allowing me to tackle some tasks before the daily standup. During the standup, I engage with the team, addressing any questions they may have and providing clarifications on specific points.
Then I dive into working on user stories. These are crucial for understanding the needs of our stakeholders and defining the requirements for our projects. I may also have scheduled meetings with stakeholders to gather further insights and specifications.
Working on a project, one of my key responsibilities is to create a backlog of tickets or issues for the team to effectively plan and execute their work. This backlog typically covers 1.5 to 2 sprints ahead, outlining both functional and non-functional requirements.
As the day progresses, I remain focused on advancing these tasks and ensuring that stakeholders and team members are kept informed and engaged throughout the process.
What job wouldn’t you like to do?
I wouldn’t enjoy a job that involves a monotonous routine where I have to work on the same tasks day in and day out. I thrive on challenges and problem-solving and find fulfillment in collaborating with a team. It’s crucial for me to have opportunities for rapid growth and continuous learning. Variety and the ability to make a meaningful impact are key aspects I seek in a job.
Was there anything about working at Syndicode that surprised you?
One thing that stood out to me was the level of transparency within the company. Unlike other places I’ve worked, Syndicode holds regular meetings where top management shares valuable company information with the entire employee pool. Seeing such openness and willingness to keep everyone informed was refreshing.
Another delightful surprise was the introduction of new team members during these meetings. What impressed me even more was that the top managers took the time to personally address and engage with the employees. It demonstrated the company’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
What is the most crucial role in a software development project?
*laughs* Well, I may be a bit biased, but I truly believe that the role of a business analyst is crucial in a software development project. However, it’s important to recognize that all roles in a project hold significance and contribute to its success.
The business analyst plays a vital role in helping the business identify and address the root causes of problems. They ensure that the right problems are being solved in the right way.
It’s worth noting that the responsibility of a business analyst doesn’t always have to be assigned to a separate dedicated person. Depending on the project scope and requirements, a project manager or developer can take on this role. The key is to have clear communication and ensure that the responsibilities of a business analyst are fulfilled.
Are there any trends you’re excited about in software development?
I actively follow the latest news and developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, I attended a webinar that discussed various use cases for AI tools like chatGPT. One tool that caught my attention was the ability to generate presentations using input text. I’m currently testing it out to see if it can streamline my work in creating presentations without compromising quality. It’s all about making more with less and finding ways to enhance efficiency.
Speaking of efficiency, I’m also a big fan of time management techniques and maximizing productivity. I believe in integrating work and personal tasks into one cohesive list, as it helps me prioritize and stay organized both at work and in my personal life.
Are you all work and no play?
Of course, I’m not! I’m actually a huge fan of yoga. It’s a part of my daily routine, and I practice it daily.
I also used to be into cross-stitching, although I’ve put that on hold for now. But who knows, maybe I’ll pick it up again.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to upload any skill or knowledge directly into my mind. With this superpower, I could adapt to any situation, master various disciplines, and continuously expand my knowledge and capabilities.
Finally, what advice would you give to people looking to join the IT industry as business analysts?
My advice would be to prioritize gaining hands-on experience. Consider creating a pet project where you can practice business analyst techniques and familiarize yourself with the software development process and its various stages.
For theoretical knowledge, I highly recommend reading the book “Software Requirements Essentials” by Karl Wiegers. It provides a comprehensive and easily understandable overview of the subject matter. However, remember that theory is only valuable when applied effectively. It’s crucial to put your knowledge into practice as soon as possible.
You may take a popular platform like Instagram and analyze its competitors, compare features, delve into the domain, and document terminology, business models, requirements engineering (including the creation of user stories based on interface analysis), and monetization strategies. This hands-on approach will help you refine your skills and gain practical insights. Additionally, consider exploring courses that offer practical training.
When I started my career, I was fortunate to secure an internship at a company that offered trainee positions. This experience was instrumental in launching my career, as I received mentorship and support while being paid for my work. Keep an eye out for similar opportunities that can provide a solid foundation and accelerate your professional growth.
Best of luck in your journey to join the IT industry!