Sondra Stirling is currently a Business Analyst with Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM). In 2013, while working at American Airlines, a Senior Manager challenged her to take on a new role of which he could only describe. After a bit of research, she figured out he was describing a business analysis role. That led to her finding IIBA® and realizing that she had done some capacity of business analysis work throughout her career. That realization combined with the passion for business analysis work created a new focus in Sondra’s career, with her deciding to focus solely on Business Analysis and moving away from eDiscovery.
At that time, Sondra began to explore certification with the Dallas Chapter but was not ready. However, after a 5-year sabbatical, she came back to the field. Starting as Salesperson at NFM in less than a year she was promoted to Software Development as a Business Analyst, but she needed to catch up. Driven by her desire to become educated and proficient in business analysis standards and practices, she began studying for the Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA®-AAC). A new opportunity appeared when IIBA offered an incentive to members to benchmark the Product Ownership Analysis Certification (IIBA®-CPOA). After a few weeks of studying, Sondra sat and passed the IIBA®-CPOA exam in July 2021; and then sat and passed the IIBA®-AAC Exam in October 2021. Next, it was time to study for the core exams. Sondra participated a few study groups beginning Fall 2021 to keep the material fresh in her mind. She sat and passed the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA™) exam in December 2022. Finally, she was ready to dedicate the time and resources to focus on the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) certification.
Sondra sat for the CBAP® exam on September 30, 2023, and passed on the first attempt. The Study Groups and question banks were critical components to her success; it provided her with the tools and knowledge she needed to be successful. Studying for these exams, learning the concepts, and applying the techniques has been a game changer in the workplace. She is recognized by her company as a Senior Business Analyst, and recently created a Business Analysis Center of Excellence (BACoE) and has been asked to coach and mentor her peers.
When Sondra is not working, she enjoys time with her husband, teaching or participating in ministries and is an Organizer for EaglesNest Dallas (gather locals/transplants to watch the Philadelphia Eagles games), Go Birds! She has been blessed with being married for over 10 years and has four fur babies.
