Data Analyst Review

On a day to day basis I am required to transfer data from different departments around our business into our Data Warehouse. This data is then used to build reports and analyse trends. Effectively convert data to English. I also am required to build tables and procedures so that everything can be stored correctly. During these processes I have to ensure the data is cleansed and that I'm using efficient methods to bring the data in so the process can be run numerous times for as long as it needs to be run. The most effective way of building these processes is using packages which I find myself doing most of the time. That way once the package is completed it can be deployed and the server can run it at set times.

Before starting the apprenticeship I had minimal knowledge of databases from you A-Level IT course. However, since starting the apprenticeship I have developed a vast amount of skills from being able to confidently write in SQL and starting to develop an understanding of the Python language. I am now confident In being able to create databases and move data around as well as being able to analyse it with the likes of SSRS reports. I have touched parts of Tableau and look forward to really getting to grips with it.

The world of data is so fascinating and the amount you can do with it is incredible. Being able to identify trends and develop things in which potentially could save a company thousands if not millions by increase efficiency in certain areas identified by the data. Data is everywhere and being able to work with it is exciting. My programme is really enjoyable and being able to get paid whilst learning about something I'm passionate about is great. The work environment is also very good and everyone treats you like family.

During the first few weeks my manger had booked out meeting rooms for us to just work with him and so that he could explain how everything is done and give us a hands on experience. Going into the programme with little knowledge of SQL and databases it made it a bit of a struggle. Our manager was extremely patient and gave us clear explanations and examples on where things were used and how it was used. He was truly amazing at giving use the first understanding of the course and the stepping stones to getting started. At times there are parts of the course at QA which I'm not entirely sure how it is related to my work or where I'm going to use it. However, there is an end point of making us into Data Analysts/Scientists and I guess these are the appropriate steps to getting there. My manager has been a great support through out, always answering any questions or helping me when I get stuck. My mentor at QA hasn't been the best frequently ignoring emails and just generally not being much help. For example, I asked for help and his response was I'm not sure ask the online tutor (which she was amazing). Studying can get a bit boring at times as it's mostly watching tutorials. However, I try my best to apply it and make sure I actually know how it's used. We have daily meetings with our manager who makes sure we have stuff to do and that everything is ok. Our mentor at QA meets with us every 6-8 weeks which kinda seems a bit robotic at times as its never personally just corporate checks like safeguarding and general checks to make sure its all ok. So far I am happy with how things are going and look forward for the remaining time on my course.

My manager is phenomenal. Great people skills making sure you're ok and that we're understanding what we have to do. Always goes the extra mile if needed to help us out. For example he doesn't really have background knowledge of Python however if we get stuck with our Python work he will really try to research to make sure that we can crack on. Not only will he fix any issues that we come across he will really go into depth and explain what the issue was and how it was fixed. He is also very good at teaching us new topics and helping us to apply to our every day work. My HR team have been pretty good, setting me up with everything I need like training and correct working standards. If I come across a problem then there is bound to be someone on our team who knows how to fix it. Everyone is so friendly and never has an issues setting aside some time to help you out if you're struggling. People are always checking in making sure I'm not struggling and that I'm ok.

At QA we attend training courses which usually last 5 days (Monday to Friday). So far the teacher has been very good at teaching us the course and supporting us towards getting the right knowledge to be able to our qualifications. My only down fall of the courses is that sometimes the application doesn't seem very relevant to me and he seems to go quite fast at times, but usually you can quite easily make the teacher aware and they slow down. There Is support from an online tutor 24/7 which I think is amazing as she is very useful and she really try's her best to help you. My mentor on the other hand doesn't seem to interested in helping. He just wants to make sure you're doing the work every once in while so that he doesn't look bad. The course Is fun and the environment whilst away is very good. My course mates are also very easy to get along with.

I am using parts of my apprenticeship training every day which I find extremely useful. It makes It easier as I know what I need to do and have notes on how it should be used correctly and the most effective methods. I never thought I would have to use some parts of the course. However, as time progresses I am finding myself using more and more aspects of the course in my day to day job which is very useful. I definitely have developed a greater understanding about my job within Fujitsu, the role that I'm supposed to be carrying out, and industry as a whole from my qualification.

There are frequent events offered by Fujitsu like fundraisers for our charity partner. There is also a Clubhouse close to my workplace in which has events all the time e.g. quiz nights. Another example is tickets to ascot race course which seems like it could be fun. We recently had our apprenticeship week and we were invited to the Fujitsu head office where apprentices had to complete challenges in teams. I also believe there is sports teams like football. Although, I am not apart of this.

Yes

Fujitsu has such an amazing work atmosphere, everyone is so friendly and helpful and you feel like you fit in from day one. Everyone has a good laugh in the office and no one makes it dull. There is always something to do as a team and the overall environment is wonderful. The perks alongside your job are also pretty good and there are free drinks and little extras that make everything that little bit easier.

The application process can be a bit daunting with numerous interviews and talking to a different number of people. Just be yourself, they're not trying to catch you out or get you to crack it's to see whether you would be a useful asset in the entire team. In the interviews they really want to know what you can do an how it can be used within our workplace. So try and think of all your skills and really try to apply them for your answer. I think it's important that you have passion for the role you're applying for as they want to make sure you don't lose motivation quickly. Everyone is so nice, I'm still to meet someone who is slightly negative or grumpy. So don't panic they're not going to pick at you during the interview. The on boarding process was very quick. I got a phone call the same day saying I had the job and asked if I could start the following week. Everything was sent to me in the post and It was pretty clean sailing. I was given my laptop and phone and did my training and all set for my time here.