Business Analyst Review

I enjoyed my work placement, from the variety of roles I undertook to the variety of clients in different industries I worked with and the different deployment locations which mixed work and travel.

I changed 3 teams in the course of the year and I always felt a part of the team each time. Frequent team meetings and socials allowed everyone to come together and get to know each other. Each client account has a separate "People" team, responsible with organising events and trainings meant to transform a group of people into teams.

The support received different across my roles. Some projects were busier than others, so I sometimes received less support, sometimes more. Generally, if you have a question there will be someone to answer it, provided you do not ask the same thing twice (I think that applies in general). In some cases, I was required to book one-to-one's with supervisors either monthly or every other week; short meetings to check on my progress. It was really helpful, even if I did not have something major to discuss, because at one point you get really accustomed to the role and confident in what you are supposed to do, but it was a great opportunity to spend time with my manager, get to know her and learn from her as much as I can.

Again, it depended on the role and project, but generally I was kept busy. For me, this is a good thing, it means I learned a lot and I did not get bored.

I was not considered an Intern or Placement Student, I was working as an Analyst. I was generally given a lot of responsibility and I was accountable for my work.

Training opportunities depend on the role and project, again. In my last project, I had to work with certain software (Photoshop, Final Cut, Adobe Illustrator), so I received training on these. In other projects, I was doing general project management duties, so no training was received but I definitely gained tacit knowledge from performing my job and taking into account the feedback I received from supervisors.

Generally, it was a corporate environment. Also, as a consultant, you rarely work in the office as you generally work on client site.

We had an induction week at the beginning and some events organised throughout.

When there was a business need for it, training and development was provided.

I have received a full time offer as a result of my performance on placement.

There were many placement students and interns and there was always something going on. I also got along with colleagues really well, the social events were great fun.

London is expensive. I would probably re-think my decision of living in the city.

The area I worked in was more business-oriented, more cafes than clubs. But the London Underground can take you anywhere, so it doesn't really matter that much.

There are a lot of societies-like clubs based on interests (film, dance etc.), language, nationality, sports, anything really.