Business Analyst Review

I work with stakeholders to understand requirements for IT systems that enable them to conduct their daily activities. This includes running workshops and interviews to meet and speak with various stakeholders and feed this back into a development team where a project is spawned to build the system in demand.

I have learned many new skills in this apprenticeship, like stakeholder management, professional etiquette and communication and many technical skills like requirements engineering, business process modelling and gap analysis. I have also been able to develop my existing skills such as leadership, communication and teamworking, which has equipped me for future roles.

The exposure to real work and opportunities on the business side has been plentiful and very engaging, which I have thoroughly enjoyed and am always excited for the next challenge. The course side of the programme lacks some structure and can be difficult to link with the job which limits development of some areas.

The programme contains many great courses and qualifications which are very applicable and sought after by companies. However, the tie in to the work side of things is not always in sync and it can be difficult to understand what you should focus on in terms of skills and competencies.

My employer is very good with the support on my programme. I have many people within my team that are on hand to support me whenever I should need it. My line manager has also been very good at helping when needed. The wider apprentice team is not always very approachable or communicative when you require support.

The tutor is very friendly and approachable when I need support. I can contact via email any time or schedule a call and have never been disappointed when reaching out for support. Whenever I have had an issue or needed support I have been able to get it with no trouble.

The qualifications are very focused and applicable to the specific discipline. This makes it much easier to get engaged with work around the project and gives confidence in your own abilities. Sometimes it is difficult to link it directly to your role, but they give a good foundation to understanding

Outside of a world halted by a pandemic, there were many social events and networking activities hosted around the business that gave an opportunity to meet other apprentices and also expand your contacts of people around the company. There are also sporting events, leisure activities and clubs that you can get involved with.

Yes

Unilever is a really good environment to learn new skills, disciplines and succeed in growing your own personal abilities and purpose. The people are very friendly and professional, and you always get a sense that the company really cares about your growth and well being all of the time a.

If you are thinking of applying to Unilever, remember to explore and understand who you truly are as a person, beyond the qualifications and experiences you have on the CV. Understand your own purpose, what you want to achieve and the impact you could have on Unilever and the team.