Business Analyst Review

Currently, I'm a business analyst within a change team. I am currently working on an FCA regulated project and my current workstream is focussed on delivering new policies to comply with regulation and offer fair customer outcomes. We are currently in solution design phase, and I will then be moving onto impact analysis.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, as this was my first role within the project environment, although I have been involved in other projects in a limited capacity. I have learnt a lot about stakeholder management and time management specifically, and there are vast opportunities to gain lots more experience and skills within the project environment in my current role.

The current programme I work on is all I have to gauge my understanding and enjoyment of the programme environment, but lots of experienced colleagues tell me that this programme is unique in that it is not how a programme is normally/should be run and managed. Saying that, I am learning day to day, and I work with lots of supportive and experienced people on a daily basis. The relatively low score awarded for this category relates to the unorganised feel that my programme has, and the distinct lack of plans available, at least at my level.

This relates to my answer to the question above. I feel that this has improved slightly in the 11 months since I joined the programme, but I still feel that this programme could be much well structured and organised. For example, I have seen no project plans, so I have no idea whether we are on track, or what will come next.

Colleagues I work with daily have been very supportive, but it took months to get the 20% apprenticeship time ring fenced, in part due to complexities of the programme I am working on, and in part because my department did not seem to have a procedure in place for this, despite offering the apprenticeship. I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship, but it was not the smoothest onboarding experience.

My Kaplan talent coach is good, but before I was assigned her I was not impressed with the service from Kaplan in general. Communication didn't seem to be great from an admin perspective, but my talent coach has meant this is no longer an issue as I have a specific person to go to with queries.

I feel that it helps immensely, as it gives a wider insight into the world of projects. I am currently a new(ish) BA developing those skills and the PM apprenticeship means I am branching out and expanding my skills and knowledge much quicker than I otherwise would have. I feel that the more rounded knowledge helps both my own personal develop and the business from the extra knowledge and skills gained.

At present, this is an unfair/inaccurate representation due to Covid-19. Ordinarily, the answer is yes. my department holds regular social events, and I attended an agile panel/networking event late last year which I also helped to organise. I do not know of any sports teams specifically, but there are regular comms around well being.

Yes

There is ample opportunity within HSBC to develop both personally and professionally, if you seek it out - it won't just be handed to you. HSBC are a fair employer, with good benefits. The pay is not as high as with some other financial providers (especially in network roles i.e. branch) but the benefits and the security I believe outweigh this.

Be yourself. This is something which HSBC is passionate about and is key to mental well being. HSBC are an advocate of diversity and inclusion, which is very important and highlights how they are nailing it as an employer. I would also say, be upfront about what you want from a career; the opportunities are endless within a large global company.