Apprentice Business Analyst Review

Day-to-day I train and gain experience to become a business analyst in the consultancy business unit. I assist and shadow many people around the business such as accountants, head analysts and procurement members. All of these areas are relevant to my growth and development. I have been involved in International Women's/Men's day, as well as Women in Roke (WiR). Organising such events has given me the opportunity to work alongside people that I wouldn't normally work with, such as engineers. Also, I have worked on arranging training for consultants in the business unit. This involved creating a business impact assessment. Currently I am working on processes in a team, which creates more smooth work throughout the business and to our clients.

I have developed so many skills, that are so valuable to myself right now and in the future. These skills are ones that are hard to develop without the environment of the workplace, which is why an apprenticeship like this one is so priceless to someone of my age. I have also developed technical skills such as using software that allows me to create processes neatly. I have gained a huge amount of interpersonal skills which allow me to communicate effectively and confidently to a range of people.

I really enjoy my programme, as just from 6 months being in the apprenticeship, I have gained so much experience and knowledge that you aren't exposed to via a 'typical' university approach. This experience really propels myself into a career, in which I am able to develop myself even further. So far I have really enjoyed the experience, and the programme has given me confidence as well as group of friends that are all willing to help out in one another's growth.

The programme is extremely well organised. We had a month to settle in to the business and learn about the IT etc. Then we had a Grad development programme. The GDP was very good at exposing us to all the differing parts of the business, and we had the experience to speak to members of business units. This was useful as it began to spark thoughts of what unit I wanted to learn more about. Briefly after the GDP we got put onto innovation tasks, then to be put onto a project. So the organisation of the scheme is very good.

I receive a lot of support from the employer. I have gained a good enough relationship with many members of the business that I would feel confident enough to ask many of them for help or support- whether that be work-related or uni work. There are so many support systems across the business, and they really take peoples welfare and mental well being into consideration.

There is lots of support from the university, and we are able to email them whenever to ask questions. We are also able to stay behind from a semiar/lecture to ask question, and they're helpful. Also having classes with other degree apprentices from other companies enables us to ask them for help, or give them help if necessary.

My qualification definitely helps me to perform at work. Uni work gets me to think about my workplace, particularly the work-based studies module. From the uni assignments I understand my organisation and the functions inside it. This information has helped me in my work as I am able to see the processes and functions in place. Also since my qualification is Digital and Technology Solutions, this is very relevant to the work that Roke does, meaning that I am able to understand what people are working on. As well as this, my qualification specifies in Business Analysis which gives me the opportunity to apply the theory that I learn, to my day-to-day role.

At work, I am a part of the sports and social club, this means that I have access to all of the societies such as yoga, Pilates and Taekwondo. I am a member of the gym at work, and use it almost every work day. Here, I train via weightlifting and also implement some cardio. As well as this, I am a part of Women in Roke, supporting both men and women in the workplace. We strive to promote an equal workplace and erase any stereotypes around genders. Also, I have been an avid member in the team to organise International Men's day, along with International Women's day. Both these events were a success and we hope to improve on them for next year. In the summer I took part in Rounders, which is a tradition in Roke and has been around for centuries. This was a fun experience as I got to meet new people, and also brought some fun into the work day.

Yes

Roke really emphasises the growth and development of individuals, and cater to their desires. The workplace is fun and everyone is friendly. I always feel supported, yet I have the chance to be independent. In a short space of time, I can already see the impact of the programme and choosing this type of path towards my future.

I would say just to research the company before starting so you begin to get an idea at what they do, and what to expect when you get there. If you can, polish up your skills on software, if needed. Just be excited to start, because it is probably the best thing that will happen to you in order to propel your career!