Why Technical Excellence Wasn’t Enough: Lessons from a Software Engineer becoming a Business Analyst

In IT industry, Software engineers are often seen as strong candidates for Business Analyst and Product Owner roles thanks to their technical background, systems thinking, and understanding of how solutions are built. While these strengths can create a powerful bridge between business and delivery teams, my experience shows they only translate into real impact when combined with the right mindset and exposure beyond a single role, team, or country.

After transitioning from software engineering into BA and PO roles across multiple countries, I learned how international experience accelerates professional growth by reshaping communication, decision-making, and the ability to handle ambiguity.

In this session, I will share real-life lessons from working across roles and borders, explaining why engineers can become highly effective BAs and POs in IT environments, the common traps they must avoid, and how international exposure helps develop the underlying competencies required for senior business analysis and product leadership roles.

In this session, we will learn the following:
a) why software engineers often have a strong advantage when moving into BA/PO/Data Analyst roles in IT, and how to use this advantage effectively;
b) the key risks and blind spots technical professionals face when transitioning into business-facing roles, especially in multicultural environments;
c) how international experience accelerates the development of communication, facilitation, and decision-making skills essential for long-term career growth.