Business Analyst Apprentice Review

A business analyst's main role is to help facilitate change and assess the viability of the change. This change could be adding something new or by tweaking something that is already in place. This involves gathering business requirements, documenting processes, defining acceptance criteria to ensure the change has worked and creating user stories (a small paragraph that describes how this feature will effect a user - written from the user's perspective). On a day to day basis this involves meeting with business representatives to help drive out requirements (criteria that will help meet the business' objectives) as well as meetings with Developers and Quality Assurance testers to help describe/explain the business' requirements.

During my apprenticeship I have been able to build on existing skills while developing new skills. As part of my role I have had access to many online training courses that have allowed me to learn new technical skills that help me with my daily role. I am also regularly invited to many different training courses that help me build on other technical skills or provide information on relevant subjects. As part of my apprenticeship qualification I have had many opportunities to build on my presentation skills as well as documentation skills and evidence gathering. The monthly apprenticeship assignments are a perfect way to continue to develop my time management and resource planning skills. I also have have been able to practice and develop other general skills while working with M&G. These include presentation skills, meeting/event facilitation, communication skills (such as classes on how to effectively write appropriate emails) and people skills.

I enjoy my programme very much. The balance between learning and working is well managed, I am given many opportunities to grow my skills and experiences and I am given lots of support. However this is balanced with freedom and responsibility to try things for myself where appropriate. All of my colleagues are very kind and helpful and I look forward to coming to work.

My programme is very well structured. We have monthly assignments that have a deadline that we need to adhere to. We are also given amendments if we do not fully meet the criteria. We have regular meetings with our skills coach to make sure we are doing okay and we are given support when we need it. We also have weekly catch ups with our line managers and buddies (ex apprentices).

I receive a lot of support from my employer. I have a weekly call with my manager and buddy. I join daily meetings where I am able to express any concerns or issues I have with my team. All colleagues offer themselves willingly for support. The HR department have many outlets through which you can ask for support, even anonymously and we are also given lots of support from the other apprentices and apprenticeship scheme manager with our weekly apprentice calls.

I also receive a lot of support and help from my training provider. My skills coach always replies to my emails very promptly and is always happy to have a meeting with me if I have any issues or queries on top of the 13-weekly meetings and reviews that we have already in place.

The monthly assignments provided by my training provider help me develop and build on many skills that are useful in my role. These include communication skills, health and safety skills, IT skills and much more. These assignments allow me to view my day to day work in a more comprehensive way and allows me to practice good behaviour when working. The style of completing the assignments also help me to build on my skills in writing reports and evidence gathering.

Yes M&G have and encourage us to take part in lots of extra-curricular activities. These range from social events, volunteering, fitness events, "Lunch n Learn", group exercises and many more opportunities. Participation is never mandatory however there is always lots to do and get involved in at M&G and we are encouraged to take part as much as we can.

Yes

As an employee you can really feel that M&G care for their staff. The community within the company is amazing, everyone is very friendly and helpful. There are plenty of opportunities to develop and grow within the company. The apprenticeship program is an excellent way to progress in a business environment while developing skills and gaining a qualification.

Make sure you do your research and prepare thoroughly. Learn the type of skills and qualities that are needed for your desired role and ensure you reflect these throughout the process. Read all the information that is provided to you, think it through carefully and try to do extra research where possible. Research and practice each stage of the recruitment process as much as you can so that you know what to expect. Take note of the advice given by the facilitators throughout the recruitment process.