Business Analyst Review
at Sage (UK) Ltd
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role involves supporting the central Business Transformation Office (BTO) as they shape the digital transformation across all functions of Sage using Microsoft technology.
Working with Senior Data Analysts and Power BI Specialists, I develop creative apps and BI reports which support projects from early decision making at initiation through to delivery and embedding into the organisation.
I help drive the organisation’s digital roadmap, by working with the Business Transformation Office to lead a centre of excellence for Power BI, Power Apps and Smartsheet.
My specific focus involves gathering requirements and assisting my team in translating those requirements into measurable and attainable data metrics. It also involves designing, developing and maintaining business intelligence solutions and data gathering apps.
Working with Senior Data Analysts and Power BI Specialists, I develop creative apps and BI reports which support projects from early decision making at initiation through to delivery and embedding into the organisation.
I help drive the organisation’s digital roadmap, by working with the Business Transformation Office to lead a centre of excellence for Power BI, Power Apps and Smartsheet.
My specific focus involves gathering requirements and assisting my team in translating those requirements into measurable and attainable data metrics. It also involves designing, developing and maintaining business intelligence solutions and data gathering apps.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my training programme and the way it works. I meet with my mentor on a regular basis and she sets me targets on a 1:2:1 basis in order to reach the criterium of the apprenticeship. As well, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in CPD activities within Sage.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt how to develop creative apps using Microsoft Power Apps, business intelligence reports using Microsoft Power BI, and designed project management sheets in Smartsheet. These support projects from early decision making at initiation through to delivery and implementation into Sage.
I have also developed my ability of business requirements elicitation in order to check that the solutions I’m working to implement meet the needs of the business.
I have also developed my ability of business requirements elicitation in order to check that the solutions I’m working to implement meet the needs of the business.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well organised. The provider are passionate about setting up a range of training opportunities that meet the criterium of my apprenticeship. Sages internal talent team are also invested in my professional development, often hosting workshops and events (online, of course) to help give me a rich experience.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have a lot of support available to me at Sage. This includes a manager, a mentor for Power Platform, mentor for business analysis, mentor for my apprenticeship work and a Sage buddy. I meet with my manager every week for an hour to discuss my apprenticeship, workload and development, and my mentor and buddies for half an hour a fortnight.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
They offer plenty of support. My mentor works with me on a 1:2:1 basis so really dedicates time to supporting my needs and adapting the apprenticeship to my level of knowledge. In turn, this allows us to cover a lot of information and contents in a very short period of time.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification is really helpful and the training provider have worked with Sage a lot to ensure that it meets the needs of my role. A long with this, they have worked together to ensure that when I complete training, I’m then able to use this in a project.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes but none that interest me. I would like to get involved in professional networking groups but they seem to be aimed at senior colleagues. I expressed interest in Sage’s Tech Fellows programme which shines a light on amazing technical work, however I’m not experienced enough to participate.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Sage (UK) Ltd to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The whole onboarding process was brilliant. The team worked remotely and everything was really effortless, I felt very included and it made me WANT to work for Sage. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Sage to any one of my close mates, it really is fantastic and worth ranting about it.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Sage (UK) Ltd?
Be yourself. The talent managers are looking individuals to work as part of the advertised team, trying to be someone you’re not won’t fool them. The team put a lot of support into individuals who need reasonable adjustments, so if you have any, mention them to the team, they’ll support.
