Data Analyst Review

I work within markets analysis and therefore analyse a vast amount of data on a daily basis, this means i am contacted by many different teams in the building asking for analytical work to be completed on their projects. I also work on many projects that require knowledge in various programming languages.

In terms of developing skills, i was a beginner in terms of programming when i started, however since working here I've vastly improved my programming skills in multiple programming languages. I've also developed many soft skills such as effective communication and how to act in a professional manner. While also improving other hard skills like effective writing and presentation skills.

I really enjoy my programme, It has allowed me to meet a plethora of new people which has lead me to networking with people i would have otherwise not met. Not to mention i enjoy the work i do on a daily basis, not only for myself but the fact that i know what i am doing makes a massive difference to many people's lives.

The programme is organised very well. my assessments have been explained very well and all the lectures, books and various other preparation activities have been laid out in a very clear manner which allows me to effectively allocate time each week to ensure i get through all the preparations i need.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Firstly, me and all other apprentices at the FCA have been allocated an 'apprentice buddy' which is an apprentice who has been here slightly longer than you and is always available to answer any queries you may have on either your studies or the work you do. There have also been many training days organised for us where we are taught many useful skills to aid us in our daily activities at work.

Similarly, there is a lot of support provided by my training provider. We are encouraged to develop a relationship with all our lecturers, which allows us to feel comfortable to ask any and as many questions as we want regardless of how silly it may sound. There are also many help line and/or emails provided which we can contact to discuss the programme as a whole.

The qualifications I am working to on a weekly basis merge quite well with the line of work that i am in. This means i can directly apply skills i learnt in my lectures the very next day at work which leads to the work i do being completely a lot better.

I personally am quite short on time so i have not been able to explore or try all the extra-curricular activities provided at the FCA. I typically just have team nights out and grab a quick drink. However there a vast variety of extra-curricular activities provided at the FCA, these include, sports (football teams, basketball, swimming etc.), writing and debating teams or just social clubs in general.

Yes

The FCA as i mentioned previously, has helped me learn many new skills and further develop existing ones. You can work on a variety of projects, from Bitcoin to our Brexit plan and everything in between. This means by the end of my 4-year programme, i would have worked on a lot of interesting projects and soaked up a vast amount of knowledge. Not to mention the FCA is a very friendly environment which makes making friends and settling in very easy.

I would advice anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship at the FCA, to do their research, firstly, about the organisation and secondly, to determine where within the FCA you want to work. There are many different jobs and roles at the FCA, each as important as the other so knowing exactly what it is you want from the start can go a long way.