Business Analyst Review

As a business analyst (BA) my role is to help both business and technical areas of the business when it comes to the running of projects. From the initiation stage of establishing the scope through analysis and gathering requirements, to the design of solution and build stages to the testing and then implementation stage, I am in regular contact with stakeholders - SME's, 3rd Party etc...

I have greatly developed my communication and confidence skills over the last 6 months of being in this role. I have been pushed and given opportunities that I have allowed me to grow in an environment where everyone is so helpful and encouraging which has definitely helped. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have had regular meetings with a fellow BA to help me develop my "soft skills" assuring that I develop as many transferable skills as possible.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme and am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. From these opportunities I have been able to develop and grow in ways that I wouldn't have though possible had I gone to university or college. The team around me, my manager and apprenticeship scheme manager are all so supportive and encouraging, which has created an environment that has allowed me to feel comfortable if I am to make a mistake and therefore am able to learn from it and work on it with ease

Definitely feel valued at the organisation. Even though there is large company change, which brings uncertainty to all, throughout this change senior management are constantly updating on the progress that is going on; ensuring that we are all kept in the loop. There are also frequent office-wide forums where senior member of the organisation explains the latest changes and also has time for Q&A afterwards.

My programme is very structured, with a new assignment/exam per month. Having just completed four months of examinations, I have now moved on to the coursework element of my qualification; with various assignments and task within it. I have regular progress calls with my qualification assessor and have frequent catch-up with both my manager and with the apprenticeship scheme manger, who both ensure that I am progressing in my qualification and my role at the right level.

I receive a suitable amount from my training provider. From the outset, I was set up on multiple learning platforms with various resources to do revision for my exams for. And having reached the coursework stage, there are even more task books and pieces of material that help and support me going forward. As mentioned previously, I am also having regular progress review calls with my assessor to ensure that I am on track.

I receive loads of support from my employer. My manager, my apprenticeship scheme manager and my colleagues are all aware of my apprenticeship work and having dedicated a day a week to fulfilling the work that is expected of me for my qualification. They are all understanding and provide me with plenty of help when needed.

My salary definitely meets my needs. As an 18 year old with not a lot of responsibilities (e.g. not paying rent/mortgage or bills) I am able to pay what I need to pay for, with plenty left over. My employer has also enrolled me on the pension scheme, allowing me to make a start on that and being able to contribute to it too.

There are plenty of opportunities for me outside of work. The organisation has a policy that allows employees to take days as “development days” which can enable me to develop myself further and improve myself.

Yes

I would recommend Prudential UK to a friend, especially the apprenticeship scheme as I believe it is a start first step into build a career in financial services. There are plenty of departments and various job roles that provide many opportunities for growth. Colleagues in the organisation are encouraging and motivating, which makes working here such a joy.

My advice would be to just apply for it as you’ll have nothing to lose. The application process might seem long with various forms and interviews needed however they are all done within a short time frame with it being out of the way before exam time so reducing stress levels at that time. Also there are many opportunities for development and growth too.