Business Analyst Review

I have had two different roles, one with SSE and one with Shell. The two projects have been very different, the first I was given responsibility to produce a daily report to show team progress as well as documenting and updating deliverables. During this time I also had some experience of environment configuration (Although very limited as I have no previous knowledge of computer science and more technical things!) In my second role I have done a lot of data analysis and documenting activities, as well as verifying the contract. The main thing I have done with this engagement has been forecasting resources left in the contract, looking at whether the current budget would meet requirements and how workloads would change over the year. I also worked on powerpoints and other presentations that would be given directly to the client.

The thing I have learnt and developed most is my knowledge of excel, specifically conditional formatting and using formula to automatically update tables, although it sounds mundane I know it will continue to be useful for the rest of my working career. I also think I have developed a lot of soft skills such as my communication and networking. Another skill which I think will prove to be invaluable is use of email and other communication tools, such as clear structure and use of abbreviations especially when working with an international team .

The project has been a steep learning curve for me, I have enjoyed the work I have been given and have really loved being given so much responsibility as it makes what you are doing feel as though it actually means something. However, my second project has been remote working which is something I have found that I do not suit, I miss the daily face to face interactions with people and the predictability of going to the same place for a similar time each day. Although on the other hand I know that some people would really enjoy this way of working.

For my engagement with Shell I do feel as though I have been valued, my manager seems to appreciate the work that I have done and acknowledges when I have done something well. I am also aware that there is a recognition points scheme in operation in Accenture which some others have been involved with.

Overall the programme has been very well organised, we were given all the information that we needed before we started and were given plenty of time in which to submit documents. For me specifically the organisation did slightly let me down when the project I was supposed to go to fell through, this was due to unforseen circumstances and was not something that could have been helped. Throughout the project we have had to submit feedback from out managers which has given something for the company to look back at when considering future relationships.

We have received training throughout our time, in the form of breakfast meetings, which although early are also incredibly useful. The recruitment team are excellent, very friendly, and are able to give you any support that you reach out to them for.

My second manager has been excellent, he has made sure to call me to always explain fully how to complete tasks and is available to answer any questions that I have. (This included a quick maths lesson when I was unsure about how to complete some analysis!).

While I was working out of town on my first engagement all my accommodation, travel and meals were paid for which was lovely. Besides that the salary has been adequate for living, travel when living in town as well as going out at the weekends. In addition to this I have been able to save some of my salary in order to go travelling when the programme finishes

The recruitment team run regular events for the interns which are generally on a Thursday evening which allows those working away from London to come back. Working out of town I found the team to be very sociable, as everyone is living and working very closely together which meant that team success could be celebrated as a project which was nice. Besides that I know that there a huge amount of clubs and societies that you can get involved with, as well as two charity days which you can have to go and fund raise or work for a good cause, these do not come out of your holiday and so allow you to go and do something to help the community and if taken as a team could really prove a bonding experience.

Yes

Consultancy was not something I had any idea about before doing the programme and is now something I would definitely consider as a career. I have been given a lot of responsibility throughout my time which means I have gained really work experience, and means I have something to show for my gap year. Also the possibility of extending my working relationship with Accenture through university and into a career is really exciting.

The second placement which you take on as part of the programme you have to find yourself- this isn't as scary as it seems! Also look closely at the details of each role as they do vary greatly.