Business Analyst Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
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
In my current role as a Junior Business Analyst within a large digital transformation portfolio, I support the coordination and smooth running of a range of operational and project-based activities. My position sits across both business analysis and PMO functions, which means I am involved in bridging the gap between technical teams, stakeholders, and operational processes.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage onboarding and offboarding activities for project resources, ensuring that individuals are set up with the correct access to systems, tools, and documentation. This involves coordinating with multiple internal teams such as IT support, platform administrators, and project leads to ensure a seamless experience. I also maintain and update centralised data trackers, which are used to monitor resource allocation, distribution lists, and access permissions, ensuring data accuracy and governance standards are upheld.
A key part of my role involves supporting project and portfolio-level administration. This includes tracking deliverables, monitoring progress against timelines, and assisting with reporting activities. I regularly communicate with stakeholders to gather information, provide updates, and resolve queries, which helps ensure alignment across teams and supports effective decision-making.
I am also involved in process improvement and documentation. I create and maintain standard operating procedures and guidance materials to improve consistency and efficiency across the team. In addition, I support compliance-related activities by ensuring that processes align with organisational policies, particularly around data protection and access management.
Alongside this, I contribute to the use of digital tools and automation where possible, helping to streamline manual processes and improve team productivity. This includes supporting workflows, maintaining collaboration platforms, and assisting with system integrations.
Overall, my role is centred around organisation, communication, and continuous improvement, ensuring that both operational processes and project activities run efficiently while supporting the wider objectives of the portfolio.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage onboarding and offboarding activities for project resources, ensuring that individuals are set up with the correct access to systems, tools, and documentation. This involves coordinating with multiple internal teams such as IT support, platform administrators, and project leads to ensure a seamless experience. I also maintain and update centralised data trackers, which are used to monitor resource allocation, distribution lists, and access permissions, ensuring data accuracy and governance standards are upheld.
A key part of my role involves supporting project and portfolio-level administration. This includes tracking deliverables, monitoring progress against timelines, and assisting with reporting activities. I regularly communicate with stakeholders to gather information, provide updates, and resolve queries, which helps ensure alignment across teams and supports effective decision-making.
I am also involved in process improvement and documentation. I create and maintain standard operating procedures and guidance materials to improve consistency and efficiency across the team. In addition, I support compliance-related activities by ensuring that processes align with organisational policies, particularly around data protection and access management.
Alongside this, I contribute to the use of digital tools and automation where possible, helping to streamline manual processes and improve team productivity. This includes supporting workflows, maintaining collaboration platforms, and assisting with system integrations.
Overall, my role is centred around organisation, communication, and continuous improvement, ensuring that both operational processes and project activities run efficiently while supporting the wider objectives of the portfolio.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
To a great extent.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Through my role as a Junior Business Analyst, I have developed a strong mix of technical, professional, and interpersonal skills.
One of the key skills I have built is stakeholder communication. I regularly engage with different teams such as IT support, project managers, and operational leads, which has strengthened my ability to communicate clearly and professionally, adapting my approach depending on the audience. This includes writing emails, clarifying requirements, and following up on actions.
I have also developed strong data management and analytical skills. By maintaining central trackers and working with spreadsheets, I have improved my ability to organise data, ensure accuracy, and extract useful insights. This includes using tools like Excel to manage large datasets, track resources, and support reporting.
Another important area is process improvement and documentation. Creating standard operating procedures and guidance documents has helped me understand how to structure processes clearly, identify inefficiencies, and suggest improvements. This has strengthened my attention to detail and ability to produce clear and high-quality documentation.
I have gained practical experience in project and time management. Supporting deliverables, tracking progress, and coordinating onboarding activities has required me to prioritise tasks, manage competing deadlines, and stay organised across multiple responsibilities.
My role has also enhanced my technical and digital tool proficiency. I have worked with a range of platforms such as collaboration tools, ticketing systems, and workflow automation tools, which has improved my confidence in working within digital environments.
In addition, I have developed strong problem-solving skills. Whether resolving access issues, clarifying unclear information, or supporting process challenges, I am regularly required to think critically and find practical solutions.
Finally, I have strengthened key professional behaviours, including organisation, adaptability, and teamwork. Working in a fast-paced environment has helped me become more proactive, reliable, and effective when collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Overall, these experiences have helped me develop a well-rounded skill set across business analysis, project support, and operational improvement.
One of the key skills I have built is stakeholder communication. I regularly engage with different teams such as IT support, project managers, and operational leads, which has strengthened my ability to communicate clearly and professionally, adapting my approach depending on the audience. This includes writing emails, clarifying requirements, and following up on actions.
I have also developed strong data management and analytical skills. By maintaining central trackers and working with spreadsheets, I have improved my ability to organise data, ensure accuracy, and extract useful insights. This includes using tools like Excel to manage large datasets, track resources, and support reporting.
Another important area is process improvement and documentation. Creating standard operating procedures and guidance documents has helped me understand how to structure processes clearly, identify inefficiencies, and suggest improvements. This has strengthened my attention to detail and ability to produce clear and high-quality documentation.
I have gained practical experience in project and time management. Supporting deliverables, tracking progress, and coordinating onboarding activities has required me to prioritise tasks, manage competing deadlines, and stay organised across multiple responsibilities.
My role has also enhanced my technical and digital tool proficiency. I have worked with a range of platforms such as collaboration tools, ticketing systems, and workflow automation tools, which has improved my confidence in working within digital environments.
In addition, I have developed strong problem-solving skills. Whether resolving access issues, clarifying unclear information, or supporting process challenges, I am regularly required to think critically and find practical solutions.
Finally, I have strengthened key professional behaviours, including organisation, adaptability, and teamwork. Working in a fast-paced environment has helped me become more proactive, reliable, and effective when collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Overall, these experiences have helped me develop a well-rounded skill set across business analysis, project support, and operational improvement.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very organised and structured.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot of support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
A lot of support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Very well.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Hackathons, givebacks to schools, charity fundraising
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend IBM to a friend.
From my experience, IBM provides a supportive and professional working environment that encourages both personal and career development. I have had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and gain exposure to real-world business and technology challenges. This has helped me build valuable skills and confidence in my role.
IBM also places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and growth. Through structured programmes, on-the-job experience, and access to a wide range of resources, I have been able to develop both my technical and professional skills. The organisation promotes a culture of curiosity and innovation, which makes it a great place to learn and progress.
In addition, the collaborative culture stands out. People are generally approachable and willing to support one another, which creates a positive team environment. There is also a strong focus on values such as trust, inclusion, and delivering quality work, which contributes to a sense of purpose in what we do.
Overall, I would recommend IBM because it offers a combination of learning opportunities, supportive culture, and meaningful work, making it a great place to start and grow a career.
From my experience, IBM provides a supportive and professional working environment that encourages both personal and career development. I have had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and gain exposure to real-world business and technology challenges. This has helped me build valuable skills and confidence in my role.
IBM also places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and growth. Through structured programmes, on-the-job experience, and access to a wide range of resources, I have been able to develop both my technical and professional skills. The organisation promotes a culture of curiosity and innovation, which makes it a great place to learn and progress.
In addition, the collaborative culture stands out. People are generally approachable and willing to support one another, which creates a positive team environment. There is also a strong focus on values such as trust, inclusion, and delivering quality work, which contributes to a sense of purpose in what we do.
Overall, I would recommend IBM because it offers a combination of learning opportunities, supportive culture, and meaningful work, making it a great place to start and grow a career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
If I were giving advice to someone applying to IBM, I would say focus on more than just your technical ability. IBM really values how you think, how you approach problems, and how you work with others.
Firstly, make sure you understand the role and tailor your application to it. Don’t just give generic answers. Use specific examples of what you have done, even if it is from university, work experience, or personal projects, and clearly link it to the skills the role requires.
Secondly, demonstrate a problem-solving mindset. IBM is very interested in how you break down problems, think logically, and come up with solutions. It is not always about getting the “perfect” answer, but about showing your thought process.
Another key tip is to show strong communication skills. Whether it is written applications, interviews, or assessment centres, being able to explain your ideas clearly and confidently makes a big difference. Try to be structured in your answers and avoid overcomplicating things.
I would also recommend researching IBM’s values and ways of working. Understanding things like collaboration, innovation, and client focus will help you align your answers and show that you are a good cultural fit.
In addition, be yourself and be honest. IBM values authenticity, and it is important to show your genuine interests and strengths rather than trying to give rehearsed answers.
Finally, prepare for teamwork scenarios. If you are involved in group tasks or discussions, focus on listening to others, building on ideas, and contributing in a balanced way rather than dominating the conversation.
Overall, my main advice would be to be prepared, structured, and authentic, while clearly showing how your skills and mindset align with what IBM is looking for.
Firstly, make sure you understand the role and tailor your application to it. Don’t just give generic answers. Use specific examples of what you have done, even if it is from university, work experience, or personal projects, and clearly link it to the skills the role requires.
Secondly, demonstrate a problem-solving mindset. IBM is very interested in how you break down problems, think logically, and come up with solutions. It is not always about getting the “perfect” answer, but about showing your thought process.
Another key tip is to show strong communication skills. Whether it is written applications, interviews, or assessment centres, being able to explain your ideas clearly and confidently makes a big difference. Try to be structured in your answers and avoid overcomplicating things.
I would also recommend researching IBM’s values and ways of working. Understanding things like collaboration, innovation, and client focus will help you align your answers and show that you are a good cultural fit.
In addition, be yourself and be honest. IBM values authenticity, and it is important to show your genuine interests and strengths rather than trying to give rehearsed answers.
Finally, prepare for teamwork scenarios. If you are involved in group tasks or discussions, focus on listening to others, building on ideas, and contributing in a balanced way rather than dominating the conversation.
Overall, my main advice would be to be prepared, structured, and authentic, while clearly showing how your skills and mindset align with what IBM is looking for.
