Information Analyst Review

My job title is Information Analyst and I work on and manage my own projects and internal customers. I also design and develop solutions for my customers. I have minimal interactions externally, however the internal customer base is quite large and keeps me in line with lots of different interesting development projects.

I have been completing the standard compulsory courses and I have taken advantage of any additional training offered. There has been a lull in providing training, however I am now apart of a Lean In group, which is supporting in terms of wellbeing and soft skills. I have also signed up to a Data Analysis Apprenticeship, which is confirming and extending on what I have self taught over the years and is beneficial as proof to the level I can work at.

This Apprenticeship has re-ignited my fire for data and analysis and it has provided some interesting ideas on how to tackle the same problems differently. Initially, the apprenticeship was a complete disaster and I was so worried that I was tied into something that was going to take my time and not reward me. I provided my feedback to Arch and much to my surprise they listened and radically changed the programme. The real change has been thanks to Dashana, who has completely changed my view on the course and training provided.

My immediate team are amazing and I love working with them. My line manager and I work well together as he will trust me with a project and in return I keep him fully up to date and manage my customers expectations at all times. Recognition is not particularly done within our team, however over the years I have been recognised for my work by my customers, which is always positive.

Our induction was very poor, but I have been assured this has been reviewed and changed. The training during the course and the subsequent learning is really what you need to excel. My mentor and I communicate monthly alternating face to face and online. I have been given time to work on my apprenticeship and it is up to me to make sure that I work on it for sufficient time.

After the first weeks course I provided my feedback and it was taken very seriously by all parties and real change came out of it, which has been so positive for the apprentices and myself attending the next courses. Arch contacted me from numerous departments to ensure I was happy with what I needed to continue to do to complete my apprenticeship.

My manager has been amazing with giving me the time I need, the new tools I need and being there for me. My employer also responded to my feedback really well and took it forward seriously and made me feel valued and that my training mattered to them, which was reassuring. I have been given the freedom to work on my apprenticeship, which I have been very grateful for.

I already worked with my company for 10 years, so I am not on a starting salary. Unfortunately, staying in the same team for years is not a good way to increase your salary, however starting this apprenticeship has not affected my pay. My employer pay for my travel costs relating to the Apprenticeship.

Our company has recently started and evolving the social activities within the site. We now have regular building gatherings under different names (World Cup, Tennis etc). A number of years ago it was decided that these types of training and socials should be stopped and it is now taking off again, so it is much nicer to meet and see people outside of purely asking for and providing something.

Yes

My employer is known for paying below market value because of the huge benefits in flexible working. I can work from home and I am able to work flexibly to fit in with business needs and my family needs. I would also caution that my employer will not reward loyalty and I have seen time and time again colleagues leaving to only come back on better terms.

Write a great CV and take a deep breath before your interview. I have never attended an assessment day. My employer is very good at introducing people at the appropriate speed, so don't worry about being overloaded straight off the bat. Negotiate your pay well in the beginning, you will not move up substantially after joining, so make sure it works for you.