Test Analyst Review

I'm a test analyst - I analyse tests. On a daily basis I receive allocations for a device set and tests to run. I then run the allocated tests, and write up the expected results against the actual results. This is then reported back to my test lead at the end of every day.

I have strongly developed my time management skills - before starting at the company, they were quite poor but receiving daily allocations has helped me to improve this. I have also developed my communication skills through needing to speak to multiple people on a daily basis. I will improve my exam skills too when gaining qualifications.

I enjoy my job, and as my apprenticeship is helping me to gain qualifications I therefore enjoy it too. However, I don't feel like I'm learning much from my apprenticeship, and the few things that I am learning aren't necessarily useful for my job. I feel like I'd be in a similar position if I just sat the ISTQB exam.

I have frequent meetings with my learning mentor, who helps me to set clear goals and targets. I'm also expected to keep a weekly diary of what I've been doing and what impact it has on my apprenticeship and role at the company. I therefore feel like it's fairly well structured and organised.

I have an in-work learning mentor who is available to support me if I need it. He frequently checks on how I'm progressing, and is in contact with my apprenticeship learning mentor. However, on the job I'm treated as a "normal" employee so sometimes don't receive as much support as I expected, but I like this as it helps me to fit in to my team.

My firebrand learning mentor frequently checks how I'm progressing with my online learning required for my qualifications. They also provide training courses just before the exams. However, a lot of the time I'm not studying towards everything and am instead working on the project write up needed to complete my apprenticeship.

I have only recently received my training for the ISTQB exam, which is the main qualification which will help me in my role. As all of the learning which is relevant to my job has taken place in the workplace, I don't feel like the courses I've been on so far have helped me to perform better in my role.

There is a football team who regularly practise, and a boards game club at my office. Other events are often on, as many of us are part of a company arranged group. Anyone can propose events, so there are often events like wine tasting or theatre trips taking place. These are usually office specific.

Yes

From the moment I first attended the apprenticeship open evening I felt like everyone was friendly and dedicated to bringing the best out of a person. When I then attended the assessment centre and interview for my job I was made to feel welcome, and even during my first few days people were making an active effort to talk to me and help me to settle in.

I'd advise people to be honest about what knowledge or experience they have, as they care a lot more about whether a person will fit in to their company dynamic than their existing abilities. I'd also advise them to research the company values, as these are very important and every member is expected to bear them in mind at all times.