What's the next logical career choice for a senior analyst?

October 19, 2005 8:03 AM

What's the next logical career choice for a senior analyst?

I've been a Senior Analyst (Business and Process) for about four years now, and can't seem to break a 'glass ceiling' in terms of pay rate or promotion beyond the Senior Analyst title.

Worse, I can't seem to find a new career path related to being a Senior Analyst that would supplement career advancement.

I have have 2 MBA's from accredited universities in Texas (information systems, social work), and I have a dirth of experience as a program manager and as an analyst with Cingular and Microsoft. I also have a ton of knowledge about methodologies (RUP, SDL, etc.) and have applied them with numerous projects.

Should I get involved with some networking? Where can I got to get some inspiration or ideas? I really need some help or advice if anyone has the time.

Thanks in advance. :)

posted by DCTapeworm to Work & Money (9 answers total)

Seriously, with a resume like that I would think the next step up would be a department head or other executive position. Maybe some extra management coursework would look good (or play up what coursework and experience you already have)? Just a though.
posted by Pollomacho at 8:11 AM on October 19, 2005

what do you *want* to be your next step in your career? what area do you want to focus in? what industry vertical?

when you figure this out - network, network, network for the next step in your career. Find out what opportunities are out there, and network to let your reputation work for you in your next career step.
posted by seawallrunner at 8:13 AM on October 19, 2005

I have a dirth of experience as a program manager and as an analyst

Um, was that supposed to be a 'wealth'? (Not snarking, just unclear.)
posted by Zed_Lopez at 8:15 AM on October 19, 2005

I have a dirth of experience as a program manager and as an analyst with Cingular and Microsoft.

What is dirth? You may have meant to use the word dearth, but somehow I think you mean the opposite.

I'm not snarking, either, but trying to be helpful.
posted by jdroth at 8:31 AM on October 19, 2005

I'm in a very similar situation - BA for the last 8 years (give or take a few months) and feel like I'm stuck in a groove.

Do you want to go into management? I know that I don't (they couldn't pay me enough to make me do it!), but you may enjoy it. You say you've been a program manager - so how about looking into official project management?
Could your current position allow you to take on some small projects in order to build experience?
Or if you're confident enough, just jump straight in - it seems pretty well paid on a freelance basis!
posted by Chunder at 8:55 AM on October 19, 2005

Response by poster: Sorry, I meant to put in dearth. Was up too late with a dog showcasing a sensitive stomach and a bad piece of chicken. :)

To answer a previous question, I've always liked the academic field (mostly for the challenge) for research and analysis. I have considered executive positions, but I haven't found anything beyond financial directors on indeed.com and other related sites.
posted by DCTapeworm at 12:03 PM on October 19, 2005

DCT, though you meant to put in "dearth", I don't think the word means what you think it means. In fact, I think it means the opposite. "Dearth" means "lack of". I don't think you're trying to say that you have a lack of experience as an analyst with Cingular and Microsoft. Or are you?
posted by jdroth at 12:09 PM on October 19, 2005

Response by poster: Firstly, thank you very much for your responses. My significant other showed me the post that he made for me.

I am the one with experience (do not have a dearth of experience ;) and a couple of Masters Degrees, could be going in for a third one in Human Factors. His intentions for this post were good and I am happy that he did wants to help me get out of an unsatisfactory professional environment. He got a few facts incorrect.

I have an MBA in Information Systems
an MSW with specialization in Family and Child Welfare
Pursuing studies in Human Factors (User Centered Design and Human Computer Interaction)
I have over 5 years of experience (soon to have my 6 yr. anniversary), he got the companies correct.

I am keen to work in an environment that fosters logical thinking, intelligent decision making and innovative initiatives. I love to teach and learn and I am good at organization and human behavior. As a program manager I do manage projects but they give me very limited satisfaction. I do not like the political behavior warranted in such positions.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks again, for taking the time.
posted by DCTapeworm at 5:01 PM on October 19, 2005

Best answer: "... an environment that fosters logical thinking, intelligent decision making and innovative initiatives. I love to teach and learn and I am good at organization ... I do not like the political behavior warranted in such positions."

Hmm - that all sounds awfully familiar!
I had a discussion with my boss the other afternoon, and he's arranged with our HR department to get me some career guidance; I mentioned that I know some friends who work at a recruitment agency who also do career guidance, and he encouraged me to go and have a chat to them too! (I was very surprised, to say the least!)

I don't know if there *is* a logical choice of a next step in your career - your current area gives great insight into the various aspects of a business, and also gives you a lot of valuable transferrable skills (interview techniques, technical writing, comprehension, organisation, etc.) - conceivably you could go and do virtually anything!

Perhaps some professional guidance such as I'm seeking - which will hopefully (a) determine what you're good at and what you enjoy, and (b) identify the different business sectors and roles which match up with your skills, abilities and desires...

Good luck!
posted by Chunder at 7:56 AM on October 20, 2005