Enterprise Architecture Analyst Review

My role involves working in the Enterprise Architecture team at Unilever as a Enterprise Architecture Analyst, supporting our Employee Experience team. On a day-to-day basis, my role involves looking after the services and applications that enable the productivity of our employees, from collaboration tools through to physical technology in our offices. I am also involved in conducting evaluations of external vendors to source new technologies for the company, as well as supporting with evaluations and consolidations of our existing technology landscape.

The two main skills I have gained so far are understanding the importance of quality data and how to analyse and score vendors against a set of business requirements. I have helped improve the data quality of one of our internal tools, which has been instrumental in enabling senior management to make impactful strategic decisions. Being able to effectively assess vendors has also helped to ensure that my team are choosing vendors that will be able to serve both the short and long term needs of the company.

Now entering the final year of my degree apprenticeship, I can say that I have very much enjoyed my programme. Doing a degree apprenticeship has meant that I have gained practical workplace experience, alongside studying for my degree through the Open University. Having been out of the full-time education system for several years, getting used to studying again has been an enjoyable challenge, and is also allowing me to expand my knowledge base in other areas outside of my day-to-day role.

My programme is very well structured. The course materials and modules are allowing me to build a solid knowledge base, whilst the regular coursework assignments and deadlines are ensuring that I take accountability for my learning and can learn at a healthy pace. The course itself is 4 years long, which has given great opportunities for development and improvement.

I receive very good support from my line manager and employer. My line manager always ensures that I am given my 20% off-the-job time to study and complete my university assignments. My line manager is very supportive of me, my day-to-day work and my university learning, as well as my professional development - finding the right areas within the business to challenge and grow me within my role.

I receive very good support from my training provider, The Open University. I have a dedicated tutor for each module, who I am able to email if I have any questions about an assignment. Tutors also hold regular tutorials to provide guidance and support on the university assignments. These tutorials are also recorded to allow me to catchup if I was unable to attend.

Through my university assignments, I am broadening my overall knowledge of the I.T industry. Certain modules and topics from my assignments are also directly linked to my day-to-day role, such as project management and analysing the suitability of different companies to deliver a project, which helps me contextualise my learning through practical application in the workplace. Overall, having this mix of academic knowledge and practical experience will give me a wider breadth of experience, making me more rounded as an I.T professional.

Yes, there are several extra curricular activities that I am involved in at work. There are regular social events with other apprentices, such as going out for drinks and bowling/crazy golf. There are also Unilever football and netball teams, as well as a running club. There are also opportunities to attend external conference/networking events with your work team, or as part of a project.

Yes

Currently working in Employee Experience, I have seen first-hand that Unilever is a company that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of its employees. It is a core pillar of the company ethos, alongside working together as a team to deliver business results. Unilever is also a massive supporter of sustainability initiatives, and has made clear sustainability commitments to the public and investors alike.

Firstly, make sure to do your research, especially on Unilevers environmental commitments as they are a major contributor to business decisions. Secondly, be yourself. Unilever places emphasis on being authentic and genuine to yourself, as this is ultimately the only way you will be able to bring your best self to work.