Apprentice Business Analyst Review

My role currently involves looking at data and analysing pieces of information that is relevant to the business. I sit in a PMO and help with reporting, time allocation for the team, creating templates and general overview of the programme. I will also create and maintain spreadsheets, mailboxes and any documents that are required to support the programme.

I am constantly learning new skills every day, including building my confidence, learning how to use a new software or stakeholder engagement. Looking back at where I started my apprenticeship, I have grown a lot as a person both professionally and personally. The skills that I have learnt are things that I can apply outside of work and I have the ability to transfer these skills in the future.

I really enjoy the programme, especially learning on the job. The experience that we get exposed to is such a good opportunity to learn and develop our hard skills as well as soft skills. The people across the business are incredibly inviting and friendly, everyone is willing to offer their help.

The structure is good, we go to university one day per week, and so is easy to separate the two work loads. The degree aspect of the apprenticeship is kept fairly separate from work, however it is possible to apply what I have learnt at university to the workplace (and vice versa). subjects that I learn practically at work I know is beneficial for my career, as well as the theory aspect from university. I think the 20% off the job training is good, as once the university term is over we are still able to do our own specific training.

I have a lot of support from my employee, via my line manager, who I meet every other week, project managers, and other team members. I feel very supported and confident in asking many people for help, as i know that anyone would be more than happy to help. Even if I am struggling with a University assignment, people are so friendly i know that it wouldn't be hard to get support from that aspect.

Support from the university is okay, however I think that I would be more inclined to ask for help from someone at work as I am aware of how many students university lecturers have to help. Sometimes it can be hard to manage university emails as well as work emails, so if I have a question I tend to ask the other apprentices for guidance first.

The topics that my degree covers are not necessarily things that I use in work, however I know that all the theory is incredibly useful, and possible situations in the future may be able to utilise this knowledge. At the moment I would say the information that I learn from University isn't useful in my day-to-day role, however there is no doubt that the theory can be applied to several areas across the business.

I am involved in Women in Roke, which is a Roke group where we get together to discuss how we can improve the representation of women in a male-dominated sector. I am also currently the chair of the London Diversity Team, where we work on strategies on improving diversity across the business as well as current affairs. Also, when not working from home, I am an avid user of the gym at Roke, where I can relax outside of work. As well as this, I am a member of a group at work where we plan a meal out (pre-covid) each month, and explore different food cultures.

Yes

Roke has given me such a good opportunity to start my career, and develop vital skills for working in the corporate world. I am so incredibly fortunate to be in the apprenticeship scheme, and from the year and a half that I have been at Roke, I have grown so much and learnt so much about myself, let alone developing skills to one day become a business analyst!

Remember to bring your whole self to the interview, and at work. The company has your best interest at heart and only want the best for you. Take every opportunity that comes your way and don't forget to ask questions- being an apprentice only happens once so embrace the chance you have.