Data Analyst Review

I work in the Automation and Analytics team and we have three main responsibilities: analyse existing processes within our department, deliver automation/ Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to simplify these processes and track the benefits to the business. My role as a data analyst involves delivery a range of projects, often this involves analysis of a current processes and then designing/creating a solution.

The skills that my role requires include the use of Microsoft 365 applications such as Excel, Power Automate, PowerBI and PowerApps. This suite of applications is used in a large proportion of projects, so it is important to be confident in knowing their capabilities and being able to explain these to project stakeholders. An example of the skills I have within Microsoft 365 applications include creating complex data capture apps in PowerApps, storing this data in a SharePoint list and using this data in a PowerBI dashboard. Additionally, it is useful to have good coding skills in my role as this allows me to query data from the backend of systems and understand how databases work. I can use SQL to query databases and Python to cleanse, transform and analyse data.

I have enjoyed my apprenticeship and the opportunities it has given me to gain new skills. The skills I have gained have helped me in my job role and i plan to continue the learning journey and complete a level 6 apprenticeship next. However, i did not have the best start to the programme as i was put into the wrong team and it caused delay to the programme.

My programme has been well structured and I feel that I have had great support from all of my colleagues, members of HR and anyone I reached out to! The programme has been well organised and my team have been very flexible with me taking time to study and complete training.

I have had great support from all of my colleagues, members of HR and anyone I reached out to! My manager is always flexible and happy for me to take time to study and complete trainings. I felt comfortable reaching out to any of my colleagues for support and always received great help.

My training provider - QA - have provided good online training sessions. However, the ordering of the training sessions could be improved and correlate better to the portfolio timings. Additionally, had 4 different skills coaches/tutors during my 18 months on programme, which I felt impacted the level of support that I received.

Completing this apprenticeship has given me a good basis of data analysis knowledge and skills in using SQL, Python and R. These have helped me progress in my role and use different tools for completing analysis. It has encouraged me to learn more about Python and investigate using this as a tool for automation in my team.

There are a range of events to be involved in at Vodafone. Due to Covid-19, I don't feel I have been as involved as I would like to have been. We have had online team socials through-out lockdown and this is something we plan to continue. I also plan to take my fundraising days later this year.

Yes

Vodafone have been a great employer over the last year, particularly during the pandemic. I have felt supported during my apprenticeship and also with my wellbeing during this difficult time. Vodafone has given me and continues to provide great opportunities to further my learning and have good company values, such as driving gender equality in the workplace.

I would say - go for it! Joining Vodafone has been one of the best decisions that I have made. Everyone is so friendly and it is a great place to work. My advice for succeeding at the interview stage is: fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Make sure you are organised with your pre-interview prep!