Data Analyst Review

My team and manager are great. FCA has a very welcoming environment, people are open, curious and friendly and always willing to help or answer questions. I feel like I am supported in my role and get a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment out of it. Work is varied and interesting and I am doing a lot of things I have not done before. There are opportunities for training and professional development.
The experience with my training provider is horrible. Prepare for a parade of technical issues, Uni/Library website not working at random times, IT support doesn't exist so good luck solving anything. Sometimes you won't be getting your workshop invites so you won't be able to join classes.
The programme structure is a disaster. If you expect to be intellectually stimulated and learn new things you would be better off buying some academic books and reading them in your own time. The "lectures" consists of tutors reading from powerpoint presentations, there is no incentive to actually learn anything, over and over again they will remind you how to write your assignment and what words to use to pass it and that is pretty much it. They are using outdated resources, my textbook is about Business in IT sector and its 20 years old (go figure), using old research and study cases. Tutors are clueless, it's a waste of time to attend office hours as they will not provide you with any valuable insights or direction. On the admin side - nobody answers emails (aside from my Skills Coach, which is a nice change) so once again if you got any issues at all you will be left to deal with this on your own.

I have learned a lot of new skills starting with Photoshop and iMac OS and finishing on Tableau and Google Analytics. I am attending weekly Tableau workshops which are run by internal Analytics Community and Python workshops. FCA is an organisation that will provide you with many resources that will allow you to learn new skills and expand on- the existing ones. I am constantly challenged in my role and the rate at which I pick up new skills is fast paced but I am receiving a lot of support and mentoring from my manager and colleagues.

Whatever club/society/support group you can think of - FCA has it. If you enjoy being social with your co-workers you can buy a ticket for an evening Thames cruise or go skiing in Europe - FCA organises a lot of these things which gives people opportunity to come together and have a good time.
There is a ton of networking events, departmental days, team away days - it is a great incentive, especially for new joiners, that makes you feel like you are a part of FCA.

The requirement process is very competitive so make sure you read through their website and pay particular attention to their mission and values, which are very important for them as is is a public regulatory body.
During the job interview remember to use STAR when talking about your qualifications and abilities. They want you as much as you want them so keep that in mind. Even if you feel like you have very little experience do not be discouraged - everyone starts somewhere. They will see a potential in you, otherwise they wouldn't invite you for an interview. If you do get a job read about imposter syndrome and don't let it get to you.
Oh, and don't be too nervous, it is a serious organisation but most of the time people who work there are very approachable and easy going so try to be yourself and let your quirkiness shine!