Data Analytics Intern Review

On a day-to-day basis, I develop and maintain data processes, investigate data quality issues, and produce regular reporting outputs. A significant part of my role includes analysing existing reports and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and automation. I also contribute to the migration of reporting processes from legacy systems to SAS Viya, helping modernise reporting capabilities by recreating and validating datasets, ensuring outputs remain consistent throughout the transition.
Alongside report development and migration activities, I collaborate with colleagues across the team to understand business requirements, troubleshoot data-related issues, and deliver analytical solutions that support ongoing business objectives. This has enabled me to strengthen my technical skills in SAS, SQL and data analysis while gaining experience in project delivery, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving within a professional data environment.

Yes, I was given a significant amount of responsibility throughout my placement. From early on, I was trusted to work on business-critical reporting processes, using SAS and SQL to analyse data and produce reports that supported decision-making across the organisation. As my confidence and technical skills grew, I took ownership of tasks such as investigating data issues, maintaining existing reports, and developing improvements to reporting processes. The level of responsibility I was given made the placement particularly rewarding, as I was able to contribute meaningful work, develop my technical skills, and gain experience working as part of a professional data analytics team.

Throughout my placement I have developed both my technical and non-technical skills significantly.
From a technical perspective, I have strengthened my knowledge of SAS and SQL by working with large datasets, writing and maintaining code, troubleshooting issues, and producing reports for business users. I have gained experience in data extraction, transformation and validation, as well as understanding how data flows through reporting processes. Working on the migration of reports from legacy systems to SAS Viya has also given me valuable exposure to modern analytics platforms, testing methodologies, and ensuring consistency of outputs between systems. Additionally, I have improved my reporting and data visualisation skills through working with reporting tools and interpreting data to provide meaningful insights.
In terms of non-technical skills, I have developed my problem-solving abilities by investigating data issues and identifying solutions when reports or processes did not behave as expected. I have also improved my communication skills through collaborating with colleagues, discussing requirements with stakeholders, and explaining technical concepts to people with varying levels of technical knowledge. Working on multiple tasks and projects has strengthened my time management and organisational skills, helping me prioritise work effectively and meet deadlines.
The placement has also increased my confidence and independence. Over time, I was trusted with greater responsibility and became more comfortable taking ownership of tasks, contributing ideas for improvements, and working collaboratively within a professional analytics team. Overall, the experience has enabled me to build on my existing technical foundation while developing the professional skills needed for a career in data analytics.

Throughout my placement, I received a great deal of support and guidance from both my manager and colleagues. From the beginning, the team invested time in helping me understand the business, the reporting processes, and the tools used within the role, which allowed me to settle in quickly and build my confidence.
I had regular catch-ups with my manager to discuss my progress, ask questions, and receive feedback on my work. Whenever I encountered challenges, whether technical issues in SAS and SQL or questions about business processes, team members were always approachable and willing to help. At the same time, I was encouraged to work independently and take ownership of my tasks, which helped me develop my problem-solving skills and confidence.
As the placement progressed, the level of support remained strong, but I was gradually given more responsibility and autonomy. This balance of guidance and independence was particularly valuable, as it allowed me to learn from experienced colleagues while also developing the skills needed to work effectively on my own. Overall, the support I received played a significant role in both my professional development and the success of my placement experience.

The company culture was one of the aspects I enjoyed most about my placement. I found the atmosphere to be welcoming, supportive and collaborative, which made it easy to settle into the team and feel comfortable asking questions and contributing ideas. From my first few weeks, colleagues were approachable and willing to share their knowledge, creating an environment where learning and development were actively encouraged.
Despite being a placement student, I felt like a valued member of the team rather than just an observer. I was trusted with meaningful work and given opportunities to take ownership of tasks while still having access to guidance and support whenever I needed it. This balance helped me build confidence and develop both professionally and personally.
The culture also encouraged collaboration, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Whether working on reporting projects, analysing data, or supporting the migration of reports to SAS Viya, there was always a strong sense of teamwork and a willingness to help one another succeed. Overall, the positive atmosphere made the placement both enjoyable and rewarding, and it played a significant role in my development over the course of the year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and found it to be an extremely valuable and rewarding experience. It provided me with the opportunity to apply the knowledge I had gained at university in a real business environment while also developing a wide range of new technical and professional skills. Throughout the placement, I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities and was able to contribute to projects that had a genuine impact, which made the work both engaging and fulfilling.
I also appreciated the supportive and collaborative environment within the team. Colleagues were approachable, willing to share their knowledge, and encouraged me to take ownership of my work. This gave me the confidence to contribute ideas, work independently, and grow professionally over the course of the placement.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed my placement and would highly recommend it to other students. It has strengthened my technical skills, increased my confidence in a professional workplace, and provided valuable experience that will benefit me in my future career.

Yes