What can I do with an international business career?

What techno-business career options can a programmer avail and how?

• I am not trying to escape programming, I love it; but I don't see myself among the best of programmers. I have been working in the industry for last three years. I work great as a channel between the technical and business teams and have proven leadership skills for medium-sized projects. What options do I have to grow? I can see few options like: Technical BA - sounds good, but what would be the next step? Project Manager -  Gets very distant from programming, I see most managers who can't code now due to rustiness. Business development team - seems like they need an MBA usually (which I don't have). Is it really required? Or shall I just keep working harder to be a better programmer ?

• Answer:

  Given your business/technology experience it does seem you would act as a good intermediary. There is always a gap between the two, and this feels like a logical place to apply your natural expertise. I would first consider suitable roles within your current team or organisation. Is there anyone else doing what you would like to do? Can you speak to anyone doing the roles you are considering? The three you options you have listed make sense: 1) Business Analyst - Consider a formal diploma or certificate in Business Analysis. Check out the International Institute of Business Analysis (http://www.iiba.org/) for career and study options. Their Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) is a great starting point. 2) Project Manager - Review the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). If you like what you read, consider a formal diploma or certificate in Project Management. There a various options such as PMP, Prince2, Agile etc  3) Business Development - Numerous options here, however you could apply your product knowledge to assist in building new products and services. You can showcase to the business and consumers what is possible from programming technology. I don't think that an MBA is a mandatory requirement here, however like any profession, some formal foundations do assist (depending on the organisation/role). No need to rush into anything, You can always gain experience to these business functions and then decide which one to formally pursue through study and work experience.