Data Analyst Review

My job is a data analyst role within the People Data Centre. I usually work on project for a few weeks at a time. Day-to-day when I'm working on a project, I am responsible for collecting data from different sources and different social media platforms. Once I've collected all the appropriate data, I have to analyse it, compile it all in a deck and draw conclusions from the findings; in order to report insights and recommendations back to the internal marketing teams.

In order to join my team, I had to join a two week on-boarding programme where we were taught how to use all the tools our department uses as well as learning about the capabilities we have and how to communicate effectively with our business partners. I've also had to present a view times at a variety of events; which has meant my confidence and public speaking skills have improved.

I love the programme I am on at Unilever. The work is exciting, particularly because I work across Food and Refreshments and cover an array of brands. My team are friendly and we've become very close. They're also very supportive of my apprenticeship, meaning they always ensure I have time to complete my coursework/revision. This means I always have a good balance of work and have a stress-free and happy environment to work in.

I am treated as any other employee at Unilever. My team ensure that I'm included on all the same things as they are and I've never felt like I've missed out on anything just because I'm employed as an apprentice. I'm given the same amount and quality of work and I always receive the same recognition as any other member of my team.

The structure of my apprenticeship is very good. We get a mix of exams and coursework and I think that this works very well because if we find one harder the other, we have a good mix to balance the other out. With 8hrs of apprenticeship work required a week, it's easy to find the time and it's useful that we can take this time whenever we like and can change it around our work schedules.

In terms of support, we have regular, monthly catch-ups with staff from our third-party employer AEA and our apprenticeship provider BPP. Any issues we have, we can raise in the catch-up meetings or calls and if we have anything in between those meetings, it is very easy to quickly get hold of either of our AEA/BPP contacts; by email or telephone.

My immediate team mates are very supportive. If i have had any trouble with work or my coursework they've always been quick to help and my manager and team lead have been particularly supportive with some recent team changes. I know if I needed guidance on anything work related or even personal I would have at least on person at work I could speak to about it.

Salary is probably the least pleasing part of my apprenticeship. Having come from a gap year scheme at IBM last year which was also in London and paid £18,000 I was able to save a lot. Having moved out of my family home (as I'm from York) to come to London, living off £15,000 at Unilever is very tight and I've had to rely on savings from last year. I think the apprenticeship wage should be much closer to the London living wage!

Yes, there are regular social events. These include, themed parties around Christmas, weekly sports matches (like netball and softball) as well as regular volunteering opportunities (like soup kitchens) and frequent team meals and drinks.

Yes

A Unilever apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your career and in my opinion the best alternative to university (arguably a better option!) It's given me the chance to work with people of all different nationalities, genders and age groups. There are always lots of exciting projects to work on and as a company there's a great culture, particularly around getting a healthy and happy work-life balance for every employee.

My tips would be to be confident and be yourself! Research the company as much as possible so you have an idea of what you would want to do if you worked here and be friendly to everyone you meet, the assessment days are a great chance to network with your future co-workers!