Data Analyst Review

My official job title is a data analyst however I take on a lot of the day to day task of a problem manager. This is managing infrastructural problems creating tickets and carrying it through from end to end by interacting with our technology experts and ensuring that the problem gets correctly addressed.

As part of my full time job I have definitely gained technical skills such as understanding and becoming better with using Power BI whilst also gaining surface level knowledge of the technology we use. Regarding non technical skills, I feel more confident in the workplace and understand better how to interact on a more professional scale.

For the apprenticeship side of things I get to go to a course week 4 times throughout my apprenticeship where we learn the ins and outs of the science behind data and gain intermediate understanding of coding languages on databases. You get to meet a range of different people from different organisations which I thoroughly enjoy.

With my programme upon induction we know when we are sent away for our course so we can plan around it. There is a set criteria at the start of every week therefore we know what we are going to be going through. We are given learning mentors that have regular meetings with us as well as any additional ones that we wish to have. I believe this to be very structured and I am satisfied with the amount of help that I am provided.

My employer gives me the necessary 20% of the job hours to complete my work. However I have a degree of freedom, due to the fact that I am expected to finish my work on time and the excess time I have left I can also use to also do my apprenticeship work. As well as a manager my employer provides an in work mentor as well that has regular check ups on me to see how I am getting along.

As previously discussed we are provided with a Firebrand Learning Mentor who has regular meetings with me to check on my well being and also how I am getting along with my essays. Our mentors have practical experience with data and really help increase the quality of our work. We also have subject matter experts who can help even further with this that we are allowed to contact at any time.

I feel as if I understand the data that I am working with better and on a more granular level. It also helps me navigate any software that I have to use at work much better such as Power BI. Additionally we learn in depth about data protection laws and policies which helps me be a lot more cautious with data at work.

When I began with computacenter I took part in a Freshminds event. This is where I got to know all relatively knew employees at all computacenter offices in England. This networking event helped me gain acquaintances and feel a sense of belonging at computacenter. And from time to time I member of my team will meet for dinner if we are in the same city for work.

Yes

I feel if you want to build your way up and have a career, not just in data, this organisation provides so much support. Not only this but the knowledge that you gain from doing the apprenticeship simultaneously is perfect to help you progress and kick start your career. The apprenticeship is good length of time and respect you will receive in the future for doing an apprenticeship at a place such as this is an additional pro.

I would advise to do research about the role before applying so you understand what youll be doing day to day. To not worry if you dont have much prior knowledge as youre here to gain that. Id also advise to just be yourself in the interview process as authenticity is something that is valued here.