Overlapping Skills Aid in Career Transition

For nearly 18 years, Jessica Bonnecaze held technical-heavy software development roles at Scholastic. But after a massive IT restructuring, Jessica found herself in a business analyst role at Tiffany & Co. 

While this may seem like a career change, Jessica enthuses that this felt more of a career transition between the two companies. How so? Jessica explains that the skills she gained in the software development role and those needed as a business analyst—including problem solving, analytical thinking and attention to detail—have significant overlap.

As examples:

• Breaking down complex issues and devising solutions to analyze business processes
• Critical analysis of data and systems to understand requirements and create specifications
• Precision in programming to ensure accuracy in documenting requirements and workflows

“In a way,” Jessica adds, “previously being on the receiving end of requirements helped me as a business analyst to write concise, clear and complete requirements.

“I can describe this career transition better as a Venn diagram: One circle is my technical role at Scholastic that focuses on building the solution and the other circle is my business analysis role at Tiffany that focuses on defining the needs. The roles and focus of each circle are different, but overlapping in the middle are the skills that are applicable to both roles.”

To be sure, Jessica’s tenure at Scholastic and on-the-job development of her skill set eased in this transition to a business analysis role. But ever the consummate professional, Jessica wanted to get a formal education to inform, shape and guide this evolving toolkit. It’s why she turned to our Certificate Program in Business Analysis.

“UC Berkeley Extension's certificate program is perfect because it offers a very comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that covers essential core subject in business analysis,” Jessica says. “Working a full-time job and raising two teenage boys, the program's flexibility aligns with my demanding schedule.”

Bonus points: Jessica had the full support of her manager—and the overall Tiffany organization—while completing the certificate. 

“One of Tiffany's core beliefs and values is that people make the difference,” Jessica explains. “Tiffany believes that when its professionals grow, the company grows. Completing this certificate program demonstrated my dedication to continuous learning, persistence, tenacity, reliability and commitment to professional growth. Despite being new to the company, the year I completed the certificate, I was awarded the Tiffany ATLAS Award for Technology Leadership and Services, recognizing behaviors that drive performance excellence.”

I can describe this career transition better as a Venn diagram: One circle is my technical role at Scholastic that focuses on building the solution and the other circle is my business analysis role at Tiffany that focuses on defining the needs. The roles and focus of each circle are different, but overlapping in the middle are the skills that are applicable to both roles.

What a wonderful achievement, congrats! We adhere to a mission of excellence and love to see our students to be valued for their commitment to excellence, as well! Tell me about your experience going through the curriculum.

The classes offered great flexibility in scheduling lectures and completing homework while fostering a collaborative environment among students. The curriculum offers a blend of practical knowledge and case studies of real-world applications. Class engagement is highly encouraged, which enhances the learning experience. 

I greatly enjoyed interacting with other students from diverse industries from around the world. The instructors were very knowledgeable, consistently available and highly responsive—they promptly provided valuable feedback.

I took all my classes online and found them to be well organized with manageable workloads. The online format offered unparalleled flexibility that aligned perfectly with my needs and schedule. 

When you started the certificate, you were a senior business analyst and have since been promoted to IT product manager for retail. Do you find yourself putting lessons from the certificate to your work?

Absolutely! As an IT product manager for retail, I take ownership of the international point-of-sale application's roadmap and stability.

I still go back to lessons learned in the classes and apply them years later. For example, with my very first major project at Tiffany & Co., I had to elicit requirements and produce a functional and non-functional requirements document. Risks, assumptions, constraints, gaps and requirements—among other items—needed to be identified and a visual representation of the current and future states had to be documented. In the end, the requirements document I created looks a lot like my final project from the certificate program!

[Completing the certificate] is a testament to the idea that individuals can make meaningful changes at any age and at any stage of their career.

That’s an amazing example of the curriculum moving straight into the workplace! What does earning this certificate mean for you personally and professionally?

Professionally, earning the certificate not only expanded my knowledge, but also demonstrated my dedication, perseverance and ability to set and achieve goals. My career has grown from senior business analyst to lead business analyst to product manager.

On a personal level, it has been a significant confidence booster, a source of great accomplishment and a transformative experience. It is a testament to the idea that individuals can make meaningful changes at any age and at any stage of their career, proving to oneself and others the power of determination and adaptability.

What advice would you give to a student who is starting the certificate?

Stay organized and manage your time effectively. Stay on top of classwork and deadlines. Set blocks of time and avoid procrastination. Some classwork may require a considerable time investment so plan accordingly. 

Stay connected with the class community through the portal’s online chats and discussions. This will spark ideas and keep you engaged. Regularly review feedback on homework and do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors as they are highly responsive and available to assist. 

Balancing a busy job and family life with the demands of the certificate will require significant time and energy. Take a break if you need, but remain focused, motivated and persistent. The rewards and sense of accomplishment upon completing the certificate make the journey worth the effort.