James D.
About me
| James D. | |
| Management | |
| Management with a year in industry | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2016 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Senior Performance Analyst | |
| Sky UK | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Digital and IT services | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2023 |
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A day in the life of a Senior Performance Analyst in the United Kingdom
I am glad that I maintained an open-minded approach following my graduation, as this allowed me to follow my evolving interests and ultimately led me to a career that I am passionate about and deeply enjoy.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Sky UK is a leading telecommunications provider in the United Kingdom, offering a range of services including television, broadband internet, and both fixed-line and mobile telephone services to individuals and businesses across the country.
What do you do?
I am a Senior Performance Analyst within the digital services division, a sector of the business dedicated to addressing the aftercare requirements and needs of our current customers. My role involves harnessing the extensive data available about our products and customer base, and transforming this into visual insights and presentations that facilitate informed business decisions for our key stakeholders.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
After completing my degree in management, I knew I had a keen interest in the business sector, but I needed practical experience in a corporate setting to pinpoint my exact area of interest. I joined Asda's graduate scheme, where I spent seven years gaining valuable experience in various aspects of the business. Over time, I realised that my passion lies in data and analysis. A key skill of an effective data analyst is the ability to communicate complex data or information in a way that is easily understood by others, and I found that I excelled in and enjoyed this aspect of the role. This led me to pursue a career in data analysis, where I could combine my interest in business with my strengths in communication and analysis.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
After recently transitioning from Asda to Sky, I sought to challenge and expand my data analysis skills in a different context. I am glad that I maintained an open-minded approach following my graduation, as this allowed me to follow my evolving interests and ultimately led me to a career that I am passionate about and deeply enjoy.
Describe your most memorable day at work
My most memorable days at work were during the initial surge of panic buying leading up to the first Covid lockdown. I was working as an insight analyst in the supply chain department. It was a hectic, all-hands-on-deck situation as we tried to respond to the sudden surge in demand, but none of us had ever anticipated having to deal with a toilet roll shortage!
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
During university, I completed a year in industry, which included a month-long placement in Barcelona. This experience was invaluable in helping me develop practical skills and a strong work ethic. Additionally, I worked part-time at Derwent Catering and Costa Coffee during term time, which helped me develop a range of transferable skills such as time management, customer service, and teamwork. When I applied for graduate schemes, I found that having a diverse range of work experience and a strong set of base skills set me apart from the majority of other applicants.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
My top tips for York students preparing for the job market and life after graduation would be to gain as much work experience as possible. Employers during interviews are looking for well-rounded examples, and the more applicable they are, the better. Even experiences such as dealing with difficult customers or being responsible for counting money at the till can provide valuable examples of your skills. Additionally, I would advise not to focus solely on the salary when choosing your first job. Instead, pursue a career in an area you are genuinely interested in and choose a company that offers good prospects for growth and development. It can be tempting to be drawn into a graduate scheme with flashy perks, but it's important to look for employers who are invested in your development. The first few years in the workforce can be challenging, but it's important to listen to your instincts and be proactive in shaping your own career path.
Next steps...
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