Test Analyst Review

My role at Boots is a Test Analyst for the Digital and Multichannel area of Test within IT. My daily tasks include attending defect conference calls for projects, meetings about progress, liaising with our Test Partners, executing test scripts, static checking requirements for projects from the Business etc. Every day I have to interact with my key stakeholders which are the Test Partners, the CEMS environment contractors, project managers and my direct team. Externally I have to interact with the offshore Test Team in India as they also complete project work for us. Responsibilities include executing tests, raising legit defects, Digital Status Report (every Friday) and transferring knowledge to our new partner individuals. The projects that I work on are all based around Boots.com and digital. Currently I am working on the Boots Flagship app and a Search project for Boots.com.

Since starting my role as a Test Analyst I have learnt so many new skills! I have learnt technical skills such as QC, aspects of Linux, running batch jobs, CMS etc. At the age of 18 I went on the ISTQB training course which is a industry recognised qualification in Test. I'm so proud of myself that I passed this as I was the youngest student the trainer had ever tought! Internal training courses are really good at Boots, I have been on an Excel course, QC and more. Externally I have been on experiential courses which enable you to develop your interpersonal skills and confidence. These were brilliant and I wish there were more of them!

I really enjoy being on the Boots Apprenticeship programme and I am very proud of what I have achieved so far. It was a tough application process but it is more than worth the hard work I put in to get here. I love my job as every day I am learning something different or developing a new skill and my network of connections is already growing! I never thought at the age of 19 I would be in this position in IT - I can really see my career rocketing within the next few years. The opportunities the Apprenticeship programme have/has given me are vast. I have delivered presentations, hosted stands at careers fairs, Lunch & learn IT sessions, Twitter workshops and the list goes on! I have gained so much experience being on the apprenticeship programme and that will only continue.

I feel really valued by Boots and that was the case since day 1! I always felt welcomed even on the assessment days during the interview process. If I ever have a question or issue I know that there are several people I can approach who will help me out. If there are training courses show interest in then Boots support this and push this forward. Boots are extremely passionate about learning and development and so they will support with creating a career plan with realistic SMART objectives to achieve this. When I first joined Boots it was slow start with regards to obtaining work to do. However, this was due to several reasons, one being IT was undergoing a new re-organisational structure, new partners were being employed and the age old thing, trust. Even though at the time this was a little irritating and it seemed I wasn't learning much, I now realise it was actually beneficial having the slow start! The 5 months slow start gave me the opportunity to settle in, complete a few modules on my college course and to start studying the various Boots.com landscape diagrams and documents. I am in a far far better place now and I am sometimes surprised at my own abilities as I can't quite believe how far I've come! Now, I am really involved with projects in Boots.com and even get involved with projects which are in the pipeline. Every day I am asked questions on how to do something by some of the partners which is great as it cements my knowledge!

I really cannot fault the programme with regards to how organised and structured it is. We have a site called 'I can' on the intranet which is a section for talent programmes at Boots. Under the apprenticeship area there are details about the programme, FAQ's, key contacts, mentor application section, dates & info of upcoming events and guidance for moving up in the business. This is great because it is a central location where we can all find answers to questions and see what events are coming up! Our college is with Babington Business College and I really don't think that Boots could have chosen a better college to partner with for the apprenticeship programme. The word [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been censored. is the college tutor and she really is fantastic! None of the apprentices could have succeeded as much as we have without her support and dedication. Her sessions are so well structure and organised and she ensures that there are activities and tasks to suit all learning styles. The word [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been censored. is always willing to accept as many assignment drafts as we wish which is really great as we all want the best marks! I have a mentor who is on the graduate programme at Boots but I also have 1-2-1's with other stakeholders to have a catch up and discuss work. Task delegation is average at the moment but this is being worked on by my manager. My induction was great - I had an induction with the apprentices and then an IT induction so I felt really relaxed and less nervous!

As I have said in question 5, Babington Business college is a fantastic college to be working with Boots. The word [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been censored.our college tutor is brilliant - she truly cares about us all and our success within the qualification but in our careers as a whole. She has organised folders (in email and online) for all of the students where she keeps a log of our progress and assignments etc. When we need to display evidence for the NVQ section of the qualification, she is so organised and will let you know well in advance so that you can prepare discussion points. She gives you the choice whether you would like to write a report or to hold a recorded discussion. No query is a silly query with The word [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been censored., she is always there to answer anything!! I really do enjoy the college side of the apprenticeship. I like writing assignments and reports and The word [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been censored.also invites guest speakers along sometimes to help make some modules come to life. Absolutely brilliant!

I have recently had a new manager but he is already shown himself to be really dedicated towards my success and career. I have bi-weekly 1-2-1's with him where we discuss my objectives and SME plans for the year. The HR team are really supportive too - I am always been emailed with opportunities to go to career evenings, deliver presentations etc. My mentor is on the graduate programme and I meet her once a month to talk about our programmes, roles and any concerns. It's nice to have a mentor in such a large organisation and especially someone from a different area of the business.

I feel that the apprenticeship salary at Boots is really realistic however perhaps not for someone who is over 20. I'm 19 and still living at home therefore my living costs are very low! Travel costs is my biggest expenditure every month and I spend around £200 on petrol. In my mind though it's worth it as I have a great job and many would do anything to be in my position! The location seems close and central yet the traffic makes the location rather inconvenient! This is just the nature of Nottingham and if I left an hour earlier in a morning (6:15am!) it would be mildly better.

There are so many opportunities outside of work at Boots! These include charity sport events such as the Macmillan race for life, Kilamanjaro, Children in Need activities, BAPTA IT awards evening, CSR days and so much more! There are always CSR days in the calendar and currently I just finished organising my own CSR day for the apprentices for the end of February. There is a zumba class after work on a Wednesday which has proved to be very popular! When I'm not working I like to go to the gym to work on my fitness and spend time with my family and friends. Work fits in nicely with my lifestyle and social events.

Yes

Boots is a great place to work at because they are extremely people orientated and support career development so much. The atmosphere in the building I work in but also out in stores is really positive and there is a real 'Feel Good' feeling. Boots recognises that work isn't everything and so there are many outside of work activities and pavillion events on to keep staff engaged and feeling valued. The product sales are very appealing which everyone seems to enjoy! If you want to work for a large multi-million pound business which prides itself on selling 'Feel Good' products and making customers and staff 'Feel Good' then Boots is the place. I feel very safe and comfortable at Boots which is extremely important for anyone but especially as I am 19 and have just started out on my long career journey!

Tips I would give to anyone applying for a job at Boots would to be genuinely passionate about the products Boots sell and to want to make a difference. It is important that you have a good understanding of the history of Boots as it is beneficial to know the roots of Boots and how we have got to where we are now. It is important to understand the brands we sell and what customers we attract. Boots employs people who are true to themselves and give off a good positive vibe so you need to be enthused by Boots and what we have to offer.