Junior Business Analyst Review

As a Business Analyst, my role involves liaising between business stakeholders and a team of developers, translating business requirements into technical requirements in order to create automated robots. We use these robots to automate business processes within Amazon and other systems, and then display the key data to the business teams through dashboards.

I completed a Level 4 apprenticeship before progressing onto my current Level 6 apprenticeship, so I've had a mixture of developing existing skills and learning new skills. For developing existing skills, I've had the opportunity to further strengthen my skills in solution architecture, thinking about how to design projects in a way that is repeatable, and therefore scalable from a technical and business perspective. In terms of new skills, I've never been in a Business Analyst role before, so I've gained a lot of valuable experience - learning how to adapt my communication style for different audiences, analysing business benefits and, most importantly, learning to ask for clarification when I'm unsure!

I enjoy the work I am doing as I get to apply my learning in a real-world environment. The projects I work on have a real world impact and add tangible value to the business, creating cost savings and increasing revenue. My university coursework also allows me to learn about subject areas outside of my day-to-day work, such as cybersecurity. This broadens my knowledge and gives me the opportunity to apply my learnings, and new ways of thinking/working to my day job.

My programme structure is very well organised. At the start of my apprenticeship, I was given a clear timeline, showing the modules I would be doing each year. I have bi-monthly university assignments, and around 2/3 exams per year, starting in Year 2. Some modules/assignment deadlines do overlap, but having visibility of this through the timeline helps me prepare and prioritise my workload in advance.

I receive great support from my employer. I'm given real responsibility for my work, and my line manager gives me opportunities to grow and challenge myself both personally and professionally. I'm also given my 20% off-the-job time on a Friday, so that I can focus on completing my university coursework.

I feel well supported by the Open University. My module tutors always put on helpful tutorials to give a brief overview of each assignment and answer any questions that I or other students may have. My module tutors have also responded promptly and been really supportive when I have emailed them directly with questions about my assignments.

The assignments that I complete as part of my degree with the Open University do not always relate directly to my day-to-day work, but they definitely help broaden my understanding and range of experience. For example, one of my modules explored organisational attitudes to cyber-security. This knowledge and understanding of how a security team thinks/operates allowed me to help a colleague - who was having trouble explaining a request to the security team - clarify and communicate the request in a way that the security team would understand.

There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at Unilever. There is a football team at the Leatherhead office and the apprentices regularly gather for work drinks/social outings in the evening. There are also opportunities to engage with senior leaders, through monthly talk sessions, as well as networking sessions and open evenings, which provide an opportunity to showcase your work and share your experience as a Unilever apprentice.

Yes

I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Unilever, from contracting through to my current role as an apprentice. The work I do makes a real-world impact and the people in the organisation are supportive of me at a professional and personal level. The company has a people-focused approach to business which makes work better and more enjoyable.

When applying for Unilever, be your true self! People want to see the real you so that they can support you and give you work that is going to challenge and grow you both personally and professionally. Also make sure to do your homework on Unilever's sustainability initiatives, as sustainability is a core part of Unilever's business ethos.