Higher Apprentice Data Analyst Review

My role daily involves taking on different projects as a project management role. This can vary from needing to complete data analysis, collection, hold meetings, create presentations, speak with clients and stakeholders and undergoing lean improvement. My team specializes in Lean and Continuous Improvement across shared services and I work daily to improve processes across the business and increase efficiency.

I have learnt many new skills including project management, expanding on networking, analytical skills and statistical skills. I have also developed my understanding and continue to with Barclays as a whole, structure, new projects, different areas and ways of working. Expanding team working skills and independent growth and responsibility in my own projects. Continuing to develop data science degree skills as learned through integrated degree and now starting to apply this within my role.

I prefer the job aspect of my programme as I feel i can integrate skills picked up from university. I am on an organised and well structured team with available support and great communication which allows me to develop in my role. The degree is very useful and can be applied in many areas and has allowed me to learn about multiple facets of my role and the tech industry. However, organisation and structure of the degree could be improved.

Well structured within the business of Barclays as we have study blocks organised on time, support mentors and clear methods of communication, set time for meetings and updates. University structure has been quite up and down re. many changes in programme leads with different understandings and ways of doing things, has changed the pace of work semester by semester, a lot of changes and delays to lecturer assignments.

More than enough support available if needed I know where to reach out. We have line managers and senior managers on our role as well as Career coaches assigned for each group for any specific questions or areas of supports who we can go to for anything regarding the course.

There are lecturers assigned and each lecturer has different levels of support. Would be good to have had this standardized across the past 3 years all lecturers with the same minimum level of organisation and same mode of support for all. Some are more supportive than others and reliable when it comes to feedback and support/ response as we are taught online off campus.

My degree has helped tremendously within my role as it allows me to develop and progress in my team. Topics including, data science basics, mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and governance and ethics allow better understanding across many different projects depending on the context in this role.

Yes, Barclays has a great experience and culture when it comes to extra curricular activities and charity work. I personally am part of a few different groups including that for Women in banking, multi culture, black progression and environmental and mental health, A lot of events are held in support of different things and once a year our team tend to meet up for a social event. Multiple options to join clubs in the area and set up your own groups also.

Yes

Barclays has a huge sense of community and collaboration. Not only a focus on the importance of our role and job at hand and benefits for the bank but also importance focus on wellbeing and every colleagues individuality is promoted across the bank. Friendly and kind staff with an environment allowing you to grow and ensuring continual learning and blossom.

Make sure have done your research into what type of role you would like to apply for and where you would like to specialize. Be yourself and have new ideas in the role, dont be afraid to voice ideas as this allows for growth of the business and improvement here.