Business Analyst Review

My role is as a service analyst for a global IT group that supports the scientists in their efforts to find new drugs. My group called "cross functional IT" support the project management, finance, procurement and other business systems for research and development. My day to day activities are to make sure that the service offered by this group is at a good standard and if there are any opportunities to improve we implement an improvement plan. I regularly meet with customers to find out what they need form an IT service, I scope, manage and deliver improvement projects and spend time supporting my group with financial support, project coordination, facilitation of large meetings and analysis.

I have learnt many new technical skills through my apprenticeship. My course helped us to understand IT systems and development at a high level initially and then took us deeper into the individual components of a system right down to learning how to code. We also completed many courses on Business analysis, project management and business intelligence. I think in the work place my soft skills have developed considerably since leaving 6th form, these will be very important in my future career. I have also had the opportunity to gain qualifications in my chosen career path outside of my apprenticeship and am well on my way to becoming an internationally certified business analyst with the IIBA all funded by my company.

I have really enjoyed my program, I was worried there would not be anyone my ages in my office; this was not the case. There are graduates, interns, students on placement and my apprentice colleagues, I have made friends for life in them all. Professionally, I relished the opportunity to work with the amazing people at GSK. The work is fascinating and I have developed a passion for biology that I never had before working here.

We are very well compensated for our work with GSK and have all the perks of full members of staff. We are regularly and publically appreciated for the god efforts that we have put in day to day. We have even received personal recognition from the CEO of our company which means a lot. We all appreciate that we are the future of GSK and are being moulded into the leaders required to keep this company an industry leading bluechip company. The time and effort the company has invested in us is extraordinary, it makes me feel very valued.

The programme is well structured with a general course to give us a grounding in all IT in the first year, then bespoke courses for individuals for the second and third years. The work load is tailored to the courses that we are taking at that time to truly engrave the skills we are learning.

With our training provider we have an assessor specifically for GSK, she is our point of contact for all apprenticeship support. We meet with her monthly face to face but she is always available through a quick phone call. There are other assessors and contacts that can be draw upon to support you if needed. When the work needs clarity we have direct access to those marking the work to ensure that we get the best answers, this is a great help.

GSKs support network is extensive. We have our line managers who manages our work load and our personal development. We have a custodian, a point of contact for all apprentices and a central apprenticeship coordinator who is there as another arm of support. All you have to do is ask and there is support.

The package offers all the perks you would receive as a full time employee: health care, shares, pension etc. we receive twice yearly performance reviews and a bonus in line with our performance. The salary is fair as an apprentice, it increases through your time in the role.

GSK is a very large company with plenty of opportunities. Shopper science lab, The human performance lab, the affiliation with the Olympics and our link to McLaren formula one team just to name few of our partners. There are opportunities offered to staff regularly to get involved in initiatives being pushed. GSK also offers a very well organised volunteering scheme that stretches across the world. we call these pulse assignments. The idea is that we travel and use the skills we have learnt working for GSK to support others.

Yes

The company is fantastic, the opportunities are great and the people here and amazing. You will be stretched daily but supported through every endeavour. You'll be contributing to ground breaking science and ultimately working to save lives. It may be hard to see when you are sat at your desk grounding our a requirements document but you are enabling science that will save lives!

GSK is very much about their values and their people. When applying I would say be yourself. Don't try and be what you think the interviewer wants, in reality they want someone consistent that the can work with and mirrors their personality and values. You will be at your best when you are relaxed, make sure you are hired for you. You need to make sure GSK is the right company for you and matches your values; be yourself.