Building a Solid Foundation: Lessons I'm learning from an Apprenticeship in Business Analysis

Introduction

Apprenticeships have become a valuable pathway to success in various industries, including business analysis. In this article, I will share my experiences and insights gained during my own apprenticeship journey so far as a business analyst. Through the lessons learned and challenges faced, I hope to provide advice and some inspiration to aspiring analysts considering this rewarding career path.

A little about my story

I started my Apprenticeship March last year. I was browsing Indeed, stumbled across an apprenticeship option, with my mind set that Business Analysis was the route I wanted to take decided to take the plunge. This changed my life and career for the better!

Prior to taking the apprenticeship I had been working on projects as an individual, for small businesses and individual freelancers, predominantly on web/app projects. I decided I wanted to learn more about Business, what makes a business grow and how can we drive value and changes in Business efficiently and effectively.

Fast forward 1+ year on I have had the best time so far, my employer, Form3, has been invaluable in not only rapidly upskilling my knowledge on Business Analysis, but also by providing an unprecedented amount of support. I was lucky also to start with one other BA Appr. at the same time, same company, same training organisation which was also extremely lucky as although sometimes feeling like we may have jumped into the deep end learning the world of payments, fintech industry, rapidly scaling start-ups, business analysis and all the other soft skills that comes with this, we were motivated from the start to become a sponge for knowledge.

Now as I start to approach my final stages of my apprenticeship, working on final reports & assessments and taking a look back at the last 14 months, the amount I have learnt around business analysis techniques is truly astonishing. The value an apprenticeship provides is not just the knowledge taught in weekly training sessions, but the support from my training provider on how to apply this knowledge directly into the workplace.

The Benefits of taking an Apprenticeship in Business Analysis:

Embarking on an apprenticeship in business analysis offers a unique set of advantages. The practical experience gained through hands-on projects allows apprentices like myself to apply theory to real-world scenarios. Additionally, mentorship opportunities provide invaluable guidance and support, accelerating both professional and personal growth.

• Supports Kinaesthetic Learners: Before venturing into the apprenticeship route I almost went down the route of solely gaining certifications and trying to land a junior role. This is definitely a valid route to take, but I genuinely think aspiring business analysts should definitely consider if they tend to lean more to a kinaesthetic learning approach. Thankfully to the UK Apprenticeship scheme us kinaesthetic learners are able to bypass university, bypass some career routes and have a teaching approach that suits our learning style.
• It's targeted directly to my role: Everything I have learnt has been solely directly attributed to the area and responsibilities Business Analysts have to do. University was a route I decided not to take, not because I don't think it's valuable, but I saw this apprenticeship as a fast track to get exactly where I want to be, for some roles, like Business Analysts I think the UK Government is proving this is a really good proactive route to take if you know where you want to be career wise.
• It's provided me solid workplace experience: My structure is simple, 4 days in the office, 1 day focused on learning, development and training. Every week this is my structure, meaning I have worked almost full time as a BA from day one. The benefit of this is immeasurable because as any seasoned BA will say, most of the learning around how to apply these techniques, is just a case of jumping in the deep end and approaching them in the workplace head on.

Lessons I've Learned During My Apprenticeship:

Throughout my apprenticeship, I encountered various different lessons both in the workplace and through training and development that shaped my understanding of business analysis. One vital key introductory lesson was the importance of effective communication with stakeholders. Clear and concise communication helps bridge the gap between technical jargon and business requirements, allowing for successful collaboration. This is something I utilise, day to day.

Another significant lesson was the power of adaptability. Projects evolve, priorities shift, and requirements change. Embracing adaptability as a core skill allows business analysts to navigate these challenges and find innovative solutions.

Here's a sample what I've learned;

1. Requirement Elicitation Techniques: I discovered various techniques for effectively eliciting requirements from stakeholders, such as interviews, workshops, and observation. Thanks to our training provider I've also been able to learn more around how to navigate these techniques and how to improve negotiation skills. These techniques helped me gather comprehensive and accurate requirements, ensuring that the solutions we gathered met stakeholders' needs.
2. Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders is crucial. I learned the importance of understanding their expectations, managing their concerns, and involving them throughout the project lifecycle to foster collaboration and secure their support.
3. Business Process Analysis: I gained a deeper understanding of analysing and documenting business processes, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing process improvements. This skill allowed me to contribute to optimizing operations and enhancing overall business performance.
4. Domain Knowledge: Becoming well-versed in the specific domain of the business I was working with proved to be invaluable. Understanding the industry, its regulations, and trends allowed me to provide more insightful analysis and recommendations.

Advice for Aspiring Analysts Considering an Apprenticeship:

For aspiring analysts, considering an apprenticeship in business analysis is a wise decision in my opinion. First and foremost, set clear goals and expectations for your apprenticeship journey. Having a clear vision of what you aim to achieve helps guide your learning and growth throughout the process. Do not be afraid to upskill further, I found my training provider to be especially helpful in terms of the current market, certification options out there to further upskill and other courses in similar areas such as PRINCE2.

1. Seeking mentorship is another invaluable step. Experienced professionals can offer guidance, provide insights, and help you navigate the intricacies of the field. Their expertise and mentorship will accelerate your development as a business analyst.
2. Do not be afraid to ask for more. This applies to any apprenticeship structure - if you feel confident that your skills are starting to develop strongly in training and want exposure to those areas, do not be afraid to ask. Asking for exposure shows not just that you're willing to learn but will provide you context for the theory you've just studied.
3. Another key piece of advice, is don't listen to any stigma around apprenticeships, which has really decreased in the past few years thankfully. There are a wide variety of apprenticeships, with varying levels of technicality, for people aged 16 leaving school to more complex higher levels of apprenticeships for people wanting to upskill or change career at any age.
4. Furthermore, embrace continuous learning. The field of business analysis is ever-evolving, and staying up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging methodologies will give you a competitive edge. Invest time in expanding your knowledge through books, courses, webinars, anything you can.

Conclusion

Apprenticeships in business analysis offer a unique path to success, providing practical experience, mentorship, and accelerated learning opportunities. It has changed my life and any others thinking of taking an apprenticeship in any sector, not just business analysis should not be afraid to take the plunge.

By embracing the lessons learned during your apprenticeship, seeking mentorship, and committing to continuous learning, you can build a solid foundation for a rewarding career in business analysis.