Business Analyst Review

I work as a Business Analyst on an innovation team for a government client. This involves working as part of a young, collaborative and fast-paced team and more specifically, researching, gathering client requirements and attending regular team meetings. On a daily basis, we have team 'stand up' meetings to update our progress on tasks, as well as weekly demos to the client to showcase our work that week. My role is to research the existing user journey for the system or product and try to improve it / draw how this would change based on our implemented technology enhancement. This involves key skills such as strong communication & good powerpoint skills to present ideas.

Professionally, I have developed many skills including communication (both verbal and written), powerpoint designs, project planning, and various industry skills such as how to gather technical project requirements and manage stakeholders. On top of this, I have also learnt many skills from the academic side of the Apprenticeship - from networking and User Experience Design to Machine Learning & Internet of Things.

I enjoy my work as it's not repetitive and there is scope to get involved with various jobs within the project itself. On a whole, Accenture has a great 'work hard, play hard' feel and although many do work very hard, there is often a celebration/reward following! It's also been a great mix of theoretical and practical work/learning, with learnings at university solidified 'in the real world' on my project.

I feel greatly valued by Accenture - whether it be my manager giving me feedback on a piece of my work being used my higher management, or the recruitment team thanking me for my involvement in an event. My manager ensures I am always involved in work and decisions on the project and I feel I can speak up when I disagree.

The scheme started with a 4-week induction, which comprised mainly of technical Java training. This was not only a great time to get stuck into learning Java, but also to build some strong relationships with the other apprentices on the induction. When studying our degree modules, there are a number of support channels we can use internally, as well as externally with the training provider, QA.

We are free to message our degree tutors at any time, as well as being able to contact our 'Skills Coach' - a representative from QA who visits us in-office to check up on how we're doing. QA also host regular webex drop-in sessions for any students to dial into with any questions they may have.

There are a number of support channels we can use internally, such as speaking to our direct manager or our Career Counsellor. We are also assigned 'buddies' from higher years of the Apprenticeship, who have 'been there and done it', so are a brilliant source of information and a great point of contact to have. The recruitment team are also very supportive.

The salary package has been greatly increased over the years and now starts at a healthy rate, not to mention the brilliant benefits such as 50% off Gym membership, 50% off cinema tickets, and other savings. This salary is also increased incrementally over the years, with graduate apprentices treated exactly the same as regular university graduates joining the company.

Every quarter, a TAG (Technology Analyst Group) event is held, where presentations are given, food and drinks are served and celebrations of success begin! These events are all paid for, which is brilliant! Additionally to this, I have attended a number of meals and celebrations with my project, such as at Christmas and after a highly successful release of our product. Moreover, you are given 3 days a year to get involved with charity work. These count as paid days off!

Yes

There are some brilliant opportunities to get involved with, in and outside of the office. Being such a large organisation, the world is your oyster as the opportunity for professional growth is ever increasing. The prospects of a full-time job after 3 years of experience are also incredibly high, with the strong combination of on-the-job and theoretical knowledge you will have gained.

When applying, don't be afraid to really show your personality in order to stand out! Relax, be yourself, and show your enthusiasm for the scheme, Accenture, and technology in general. Once part of the scheme, I would advise new joiners to take as many opportunities as possible! There are so many 'side of desk' (extra) things to get involved with, all of which will help build your eminence within the organisation and get your name known.