Business Analyst Review

I am a BA working on NHS cervical screening system. I have a daily scrum, update my team and look at live incidents and bugs coming from the system. I create tickets by doing investigations and hand these tickets to developers and testers.

I have learnt many new skills as I started this degree apprenticeship with no technical experience. I have learnt about coding, databases, business analyst skills, built on my communication skills by talking to various stakeholders, presenting skills which I am a lot more confident at now.

I enjoy my program as it's a mix of learning at university and applying knowledge in the workplace. I have made some really good friends and I enjoy who I work with as they are very supportive and I learn a lot from them.

My program is very organised – university is well split into four years with clear milestones for each year and my job is also well organised in the way that it is run and how our team works.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. They recognise that I am an apprentice so they help me when needed and I can go to my manager with any issue that I have, I feel comfortable to do that.

I receive a lot of support – my university skills coach is amazing and we have reviews every couple months so that I remain on track and I know what I'm doing for my portfolio and evidence gathering.

This can be 50-50 as not everything I learn in university can be applied to my job role. However, certain modules have really helped me out for example SQL and project management as I needed those skills for my job role.

There are plenty of social activities and sport to take part in. There are also lots of professional networking events where you can meet a variety of different people and gain connections like that. There is always something going on to take part in.

Yes

I recommend IBM because it's an inclusive welcoming and diverse environment to thrive in. There are so many opportunities to learn and build on skills. You are fairly compensated for your work and everyone is on hand to support when needed. Contributing on projects feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Always be yourself don't exaggerate your skills as you don't need to be technical for this apprenticeship. Be ready to explain how your soft skills are transferable. Remain positive as if this apprenticeship was meant for you, then you will achieve it.