Business Analyst Review

Collating and articulating customer requirements and coordinating them with development teams to produce quality solutions to business needs and improve processes and ways of working. In a nutshell, a BA needs to be able to understand every little bit of what the customer needs, and present it well enough that it can be built by the business. This simple explanation breaks down into many different branches of processes, from workshop facilitation, to IT literacy and some technical expertise. The role is remarkably diverse and complex, but challenging and rewarding too.

Skills that I have been able to develop include time management, communication and teamworking. There are other more functional skills like problem solving, critical thinking and proactive working that are also key to the role. Soft skills are essential and are prominent in everyday working, which is why the training provider includes them in your development work.

I enjoy the programme very much, as well as the business I work at and the people around me. There are so many opportunities presented during your apprenticeship journey and by the time it ends you really are prepared in every sense of the word for the next steps in your career.

My programme is well organised with clear instructions and communication to promote development. The touchpoints with tutors are consistent and the schedules for training is provided very early on so you can plan ahead for your classroom learning. The courses are also hosted very professionally and can even offer certified accreditation upon completion.

There are regular opportunities to look for ways of improving and gaining feedback from the business to maximise your impact on your work, such as line manager meetings and performance reviews. They understand it is a big step from college or sixth form, and really work hard to accommodate for that. They'd never lead you in blind. Whatever you need, they will provide.

The training provider is very supportive and offers any assistance required to their apprentices. The training that they deliver is professional and effective. Any questions can be asked via email any day of the week and they will help you to the best of their ability. Many (if not all) have years of professional experience in your field so they know all the ins and outs.

I feel as though the qualifications are matched nicely with the type of role you are working in. The knowledge delivered in the classroom can be taken and transferred to your daily role very naturally and more importantly gives your manager more confidence in your ability to take lead of your work and have independence.

There tends to be a lot of networking events and other things going on around the business that are offered to people, but many are restricted to permanent employees of the company and unfortunately apprentices are employed through an agency, so they do not have access to many of the opportunities.

Yes

It is a very unique and exciting workplace where the people are very passionate and motivated about their work. You are provided with expert guidance throughout your whole career but also given enough freedom to own work yourself and deliver things that you can be proud of. There are also many opportunities to connect with other teams and work on stuff outside of your normal job description.

Be prepared for a very gruelling application process which really puts you to the test. However, remember that you are applying to one of the biggest organisations in the world. Nowhere will be able to provide the opportunities and experiences that Unilever can, not to mention the rewards. Work hard and make the most of whatever you go into.