RPA Process analyst Review

My current role is as a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) process analyst and consultant. This role involves analyzing processes,reading/creating documentation and building business cases for these processes, checking the potential for them to be automated and gathering the information the developers will need to create the solution. Internally I will often be in contact with the developers ensuring that the solution they build covers all aspects the process needs to undertake and conforms to any regulatory needs, I will also often interact directly with the client, talking to the process agents and owners, ensuring that I understand and have gathered all information regarding the process as it is my responsibility to ensure that this has all been captured and is available to the developers.

During my time at IBM I have had the opportunity to develop many of my soft skills as I spend large amounts of time talking to my team and clients, meaning I am constantly using my communication skills. I have also undertaken several online training courses linked to RPA and other subjects such as block chain and cognitive computing, IBM has a wide range of courses available to employees. I have been on multiple training course also provided by the company.

The programme so far has given me a good taste of life withing a large corporation as well as a good opportunity to develop multiple skills, I enjoy working with the people in my team and the strong company culture of support. My experience has been different from what I expected, I have been given much more responsibility than I first thought, having being sent with one other apprentice to a client site to work on a project.

I feel like there is a big appreciation culture with IBM, I am often sent E-mails and messages after completing giveback events and tasks for my managers, often including BluePoints, a form of reward internally to IBM which can be redeemed for items on a rewards catalogue. However in day to day tasks it can sometimes feel as though my work goes under the radar and without appreciation or notice, this is relatively rare though and often will be rectified at a later date.

The apprenticeship section of my role is very well organized with a clear pathway laid out from the beginning with several meetings with my managers acting as checkpoints to analyze my progress on the course. The two week induction was very insightful and was a residential course that allowed me to get to know some of my fellow apprentices before moving into our working locations, this course also allowed me to gain some insight into what was to be expected of me in my role. Training course are frequent and other opportunities are highlighted by managers if they think it may be useful to our progression. Throughout the course Action Learning Set meetings are held to support apprentices in studying and ensuring the correct progress is being made, these also allow the apprentices to see others that are on the same pathway. In terms of the working and job role of my apprenticeship there is less organization, with roles being given out by a manager as and when they come available, there is also less support in the job role, however this may just be due to the fact that my department is relatively new and job roles are less defined.

N/A - provided internally

I receive lots of support from my apprenticeship manager and foundation; the entry level platform of IBM. However support in my actual role has been lacking, until recently, as there was little to no project management or leadership on my first project.

As I work in London I had to move closer in order to take the offer I was given, the wage I receive has been just enough to cover accommodation and living, my parents helped me by paying for my season ticket for travel on the trains, without this help I am not sure I would be able to cover the costs of working in london. As it it I am only just managing to continue to work without using my savings, however this may change soon if my wage increases slightly. Even though it is often difficult I still manage to have a good time and am still enjoying my time in London.

The company hosts lots of events and there are lots of external events that I have an opportunity to take part in, lots of these activities are labelled under give-back in IBM and involve thins such as School outreach events, careers fairs and some non-recruitment related events such as the Corporate games Etc. There is also an IBM Club membership option which allows its members to gain access to cheaper event tickets such as festivals, gigs and over social events. Many IBM office locations also have leisure facilities such as gym suites etc.

Yes

I would like to see more of my friends and young people in apprenticeships and think IBM has a good set of opportunities that would suit multiple personality types and sets of interests. The experience of moving to new place and working in a large firm such as IBM has been rewarding and although difficult at times, had been largely enjoyable and very worth while.

The application process is fairly long winded but don't be discouraged. In my experience the process was firstly a telephone interview followed by an online application, the IBM equivalent of a CV profile, after which a sort online test was given to me. If the test is passed the candidate is then invited to an 'Assessment center' where they will meet with other applicants and be given a group logical exercise and a group presentation / team working exercise, at this point some people are also given a business interview. After this stage the candidate will be informed of the outcome and if positive will be placed in a job 'pool' where a job role will be matched to a candidate, this can take a long time, even months as there may not always be suitable roles open. After being matched to a job a candidate will then have a video interview with the manager of that role, depending on the outcome of this the candidate will be given an offer r placed back into the pool for the next suitable role. When you apply show some passion during the interviews and focus on things that you enjoy and would want to do while working, also in the exercises focus on showing your soft skills rather then focusing on 'winning'. Good luck!