During job interviews, people frequently ask if I can tell them what a standard work week looks like for me. It is difficult to answer that because my work weeks are rarely standard. And if it comes even close to being standard, it only applies to that one project. On the next project it may look completely different again.

To give an impression anyway, I have chosen a project and described a random work week there. This project involves the migration of some applications to a new environment, which also means that interfaces need to be migrated or redeveloped. I am involved in this project as a Senior Business Analyst

Monday

With a fresh cup of coffee, I start the week at home where I review my calendar and compile a to-do list for today. This is a regular ritual I start every working day with. After this, I get on my bike and go to Valid's office in Maastricht. I decided to work there because I have an appointment later in the day.

Through Teams, I hold a daily stand-up with colleagues across Europe and India, followed by an intensive GAP analysis session. We need to identify what the current situation looks like (IST) and what the future situation looks like (SOLL). The difference between IST and SOLL is called the GAP.

After a lunch walk through Wyck, I and a colleague conduct a job interview with a potential new Change Maker. I then continue working on the GAP analysis. At 5 p.m., the other Business and Information Analysts trickle in. It's time for the BIA night we have every quarter. We start by eating pizza and then the program gets underway. We start with a tour of the fields. After this, an external speaker talks about requirements engineering in Agile projects. Super interesting!

Tuesday

Tuesday, office day! On Tuesdays, I routinely work on-site at the client site, as do my colleagues from Valid who are also there. It's convenient to catch up and discuss any challenges. We also always have lunch together.

The morning is filled with various appointments: the daily stand-up, status updates and various catch-up moments. In the afternoon, I continue refining the GAP analysis with the project team, via Teams. I also sit down with a developer to discuss the migration of one of the applications. In addition, I set some lines to collect available documentation of this application. This is because I can use this to prepare test scenarios and user manuals.

Wednesday

I'm working from home again today. I start again by making my to-do list for today. Then it's time for the daily stand-up. After the stand-up, I check my e-mail for information about system documentation. Already received information I put on Teams. I send some emails and go through the documentation received. A call to a manager delivers the promise of a list of key users by the end of the day. A conversation with a colleague at Valid results in usable templates for test scenarios. I immediately customize these for my client.

During breaks, I like to take a walk with my husband and dog, which is a welcome break from work. In the afternoon, I lead a Teams meeting for the GAP analysis, where we discuss final details and identify action items. After the meeting, I make sure everything is well documented and continue with my duties.

Thursday

Thursday morning I go back to the client site for a few face-to-face appointments. One of the appointments I have is with my hiring manager. This conversation provides valuable feedback. After updating my emails, I focus on working out actions for the interfaces.

At home, I take time for a leisurely walk with the dog and an athletic break. This flexible arrangement of the day provides a good balance and keeps energy high.

The afternoon is quiet in terms of calls, giving me space to dive deep into the application migration test scenarios. The day ends with a monthly check-in call with Valid. Here the cell lead and the sales lead update us on the past month. Also, 2 colleagues talk about their projects. Always nice to hear what the colleagues are working on.

Friday

The last, half, workday of the week! I start again by making my to-do list for today followed by the daily stand-up. I spend the rest of the morning working on the actions for the interfaces and the test scenarios. I also make sure that my mailbox is cleaned up so that I can get back to work on Monday. At 12:30 I close up.

It's the first Friday of the month, which means it's time for the monthly Valid get-together at the Poshoorn in Maastricht. I'm looking forward to going and get on my bike around 5 pm. It's always nice and crowded! It's nice to catch up with colleagues over a snack and a drink.

It's never boring!

This blog has given you an idea of what a Valid Change Maker's work week can look like. As indicated, every client and every project is different. That's what makes this job so much fun! It is never boring. I hope this block has given you more insight into the wonderful world of Business & Information Analysts.

This blog has given you an insight into a working week of a Valid Change Maker. Every project and client is unique, making this profession never boring. Want to know more about the Business & Information Analyst profession? Then contact Wendy Groven - Hogenboom.