Data Analyst Review

As a data analyst I collect, organise and study data to provide business insight. In this role I: Apply tools and techniques for data analysis and data visualisation (including the use of business information tools). Identify, collect and migrate data to and from a range of systems. Manage, clean, abstract and aggregate data alongside a range of analytical studies on that data. Manipulate and link different data sets. Summarise and present data and conclusions in the most appropriate format for users.

There are many skills I have learnt and developed during my time as a data analyst including: Analytical and problem-solving skills. Communication skills. Data management. Data visualisation. Logical and creative thinking skills. Project management skills. Proven IT and mathematical skills. Quality assurance, validation and data linkage abilities. Statistical methods and data analysis skills.

The programme is quite enjoyable. I enjoy seeing the end result of projects and the ways in which they are presented and the insights they deliver. However, I have also enjoyed the engagement side of my role which isn't necessarily Data Analyst based but more to do with reaching out to markets and granting access to accounts to be reported on in the future.

The course itself has been very structured with dates and times for study blocks etc however due to the Covid-19 situation this has all gone up in the air. However, our training provider acted swiftly to ensure that we got new dates sorted out for the training and the exams which we will sit.

Overall the support network is very good as I am placed in quite a large team with a range of expertise. Some days I will need and receive more support than on others where I am confident enough to be left to my own devices. The support is there if needed though.

The training provided could have been better. The training weeks undertaken were mostly delivered by PowerPoint and could have been sent over for us to learn on our own as opposed to travelling quite a distance to the training centre. Furthermore, the training was 'told' to us rather than 'taught'. Our learning support coach however provides feedback and answers queries when asked.

This is a tricky one due to the projects being undertaken at Unilever. The knowledge learnt through training is very theoretical and situational-based and therefore in the day-to-day role the tools and techniques don't really come into play and wouldn't be useful. However, I do feel down the line they may become useful.

There are opportunities to play pool and play on arcade machines in the social areas within the office. SInce the Covid-19 pandemic and people working from home. The company has organised quizzes, coffee mornings and other activities open to anyone who feels they would benefit from them in order to keep spirits high.

Yes

There are many skilled professionals within all teams who have experience working at a world-leading consumer goods organisation. They will be able to pass on their skills and expertise to those around them and allow you to further develop your skills and career. The benefits are good, the work is industry-leading and the attitude towards a work-life balance is good.

Be sure to know why you want to join Unilever and why their ethos fits in with what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. Embrace the pressure of the size of the organisation, research where the company is trying to get to over the next few years and most importantly, be positive towards constant change as this is what the industry is like.