Analyst Review

More formal skills training e.g. Advanced Excel would have been beneficial. I particularly furthered my soft skills and found the working culture ideal that allowed me to work as was needed and most productive for me.

In my first project, as a functional design analyst, I found that I played a key part in completing work in time for deadlines. Comparatively, I felt more valued in my second project role as a research analyst, as I was the only one in my team doing this work 100% of the time.

I generally felt that I could approach management for any support and guidance if I needed it. However, due to their time being in great demand, this was not always possible. However, this allowed me to try to develop more independently.

I never had a time when I needed to ask for more work, as there were always tasks to be done and there were many opportunities to either improve or extend work. Also, there were many extracurricular schemes to be involved with e.g. organising charity events for the project.

My responsibility was limited in project-related work, but I did coordinate a few extracurricular activities.

The placement highly improved my soft skills, discipline and attitude towards my studies. It also gave me a better perspective and approach in studying difficult and technical information.

Professional whilst also being friendly, personal and enjoyable.

More formal training would have been better, some basic resources did not function properaly (e.g. not having a landline telephone number) and the benefits package and use its components could have been made clearer.

The first week was induction, during which there were 2 skills workshops- basic excel and presentations. Otherwise, it was just learning on a daily and ad hoc basis.