Application Development Analyst Review

My current role on my project in Accenture is Management Information Analyst. My daily tasks involve gathering and analysing key data (such as test status, defect status etc) and putting this into an informative report for management to review. I am also responsible for sending out versions of these reports to the key stakeholders (clients, team leads, wider management etc) to ensure that they have the key information required to complete their daily tasks. These reports are amended to contain only the relevant information for the recipient.

Yes, I have learnt many new skills throughout my time on the apprenticeship scheme with Accenture, more recently in my current project, I have learnt how to use softwares to make my daily tasks easier. For example, I have learnt how to use a pivot table, how to extract from Jira and use this in Excel, and many more formulae within Excel that can manipulate the data to provide information that is required in my reports. Furthermore, I have also developed my interpersonal skills during this project as I need to communicate clearly and concisely when sending my reports to the key stakeholders, whilst also communicating in a professional way.

I have enjoyed completing the Data Analyst pathway with Accenture/QA. Throughout my 3.5 years, I have learnt such a range of skills, technique and widened my knowledge. I also appreciate that we were able to tailor our pathway to a certain degree, by choosing optional modules. I have not only enjoyed the degree element of the apprenticeship scheme, but also the work element of the programme. I have been exposed to various channels within Accenture, working on project in the retail side and the insurance side of the market. I have been exposed to working with Accenture, third party and client employees whom are from different parts of the world, with different experience and of different levels within the company. I truly believe that through this exposure, I have been able to shape myself to perform professionally and to enabled me to work with such a range of different people.

Throughout my time spent on the programme, there have been some hiccups with the communication between training provider and company, as well as between apprenticeship leadership and projects that I have been on. However, when these have been raised, they have been dealt with promptly. Aside from some hiccups with communication, generally the structure and organisation of the programme is good. Accenture provides so much support to apprentices on the scheme, as well as to apprentice alumni- with a whole organisational structure of resources who have the responsibility to answer questions and provide support in any way it is needed.

I have been given a lot of support by Accenture throughout my time on the apprenticeship scheme. When I have been on projects, they have been adaptable and happy to allow me to have time off for lectures, exams and to work on assignments. Furthermore, they have also been very supportive with the Data Analyst path that I have taken, adapting my role to incorporate some of the skills that would be used by a data analyst.

I have received a good amount of support from QA. Tutors have always been on hand to provide support when I have needed it. Furthermore, for each year of the degree, I have been assigned a skills coach whom has helped me with my end of year reports, but has also been a point of contact within QA when I've needed it.

I think that it has enabled me to gain knowledge and skills that I otherwise wouldn't have. This is because it has given me a foundation that I have been able to take to my projects and build upon. Without these foundations that I have learnt, I would have otherwise found it extremely hard to perform within my day to day role, as I would have not have the level of understanding that is required to grasp concepts and skills.

There are so many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at Accenture. I am part of the New Joiners community, as well as the Corporate Citizenship community. This means that I am part of a team that thinks of ways in which we can support Accenture's new joiners, to ensure that they have the support and information that they need when embarking on their new journey with us. In the Corporate Citizenship team, we look for opportunities where Accenture employees can volunteer, and promote these to ensure that employees are making the most of their volunteering days.

Yes

I love the culture Accenture has adopted - everyone is included. The support that Accenture employees provide one another is also above anything that I thought was possible before joining. There has always been someone that I can turn to if need a question answered, am not sure on how to approach something, or have a problem (whether at personal or work related)- and if the person that I approach is not able to help me, they always point me to someone that can.

Carry out lots of research on Accenture before you attend any interviews or assessment centers. You should know what Accenture is about, what you like about Accenture (inclusion or diversity for example), and you should have plenty of case studies on what Accenture has delivered. It would also be worthwhile to have a think about how you can see technology evolving in the coming years, and how you think Accenture would play a part in this.