UX Research Apprentice Review

My role is a UX Research apprentice within the Insight and experience design team. UX Research is the systematic investigation of users and their needs in order to add context and insight into the process of designing the user experience. User Experience (UX) research employs a variety of techniques, tools and methodologies to reach conclusions, determine facts and uncover problems, revealing valuable information which can be fed into the design process. Day-to-day I work within a range of projects across BI and BUK, working with various different disciplines from product owners to developers.

New skills: - Usability testing - Competitor Analysis - Service Design - Interviewing Techniques - Workshop facilitation - Data Analytics - User experience - Stakeholder Management - Market Research - Decision Making - Problem Solving -User interface Design Existing skills developed - Presenting - Time management - Prioritising - Confidence - Interpersonal skills - Organisation skills -Writing -Networking -Building relationships with stakeholders -Analytics skills - Commercial awareness - Leadership

Highly enjoy the role that i'm in, over the year that i've been working within the organisation I have developed a strong passion for UX Research. The course i chose has really made an impact on my levels of knowledge on how general things work such as projects etc.

From an apprentice point of view the programme isn't structured well, the job role itself is great however the programme not so much. At the start of my apprentice programme there wasn't any information articulated to me that told me what the next two years was going to look like.

Any support that I require is provided to me, sometimes it can take a while to get but I do get the support I need here. That's both support from line managers, wider teams, and the apprentice team. It depends on how much support you need, and how much you ask for.

Skills coaches provide a lot of support, they set up regular review meetings. There is a lack of support from the training body itself, if you have questions that the skills coach cannot answer it's difficult to try and get this information from the training provider. There aren't any key contacts available which know the programme in and out's.

The course that my line manager and I chose really has helped with my role here, it has benefited me in a number of ways. This was because of all the upfront hard work I put into choosing the right course, there was a lack of assistance and knowledge in what was available to me in order for me to make a good decision on qualifications.

Unsure on what's available at work or where to go to find this information, however I attend professional networking events outside of work. If there was stuff available to do i would get involved, a lot of these activities for example sport are done outside of work. it would be good to do more stuff with other staff.

Yes

As an apprentice I think there's many opportunities available to you, there is a lot of support provided by the organisation to help you develop your career. You can shape your role here to find what suits you and where you want your career to go. Line managers are really supportive and guide you to be the best you can be.

Being proactive here will really help you! There's a load of opportunities, but it's up to you to get involved and learn. Its ok to make mistakes if you learn from them, ask for support and mentorship. It's better to ask questions than be silent in a meeting. No one expects you to know everything!