Mohammad - Business Analyst, Industrial Trainee
Name: Mohammad
Job Title: Business Analyst - Industrial Trainee
Business area: Customer Service
Location: Bracknell
Studied: A level’s in Business Management, I.T, Law and Sports Science 3rd year BSc Hons Information Management and Business Studies
Joined: August 2006
How would you describe your role as a business analyst?
I am part of the reference data team which carries out all the day to day, business as usual changes for one of the biggest retail networks in the world that is by far the largest banking network in the UK. Reference data is a powerful tool that determines how the counter responds to individual transactions and can be as simple as determining a price to as complex as accommodating a new banking client.
My main responsibility is to handle the incoming changes from our customer for which there are an average of 100 per 5 day week and validating and ensuring the data is correct. Some data may require me to create additional Fujitsu data to allow the application or transaction to work correctly and furthermore, most changes that come in from our customer will need some form of counter and report validation. It isn’t like a production line where it’s first in first out. Changes that come in are prioritised by their start dates and so we are handling a large number of changes where we are consistently analysing which changes need prioritising and progressing. I interact with our customer’s staff who are located in an adjacent foyer on a day-to-day basis and ensure that I maintain a high level of customer service.
How long have you been in your current role?
8 Months – I have another 4 months left before I leave the company and go back to University for my final year of study. Having spoken to many employees on this year’s graduate scheme, and in one case watching the progression of a certain graduate trainee who sits at a desk near me, I most definitely intend to apply for the graduate scheme 2008.
What do you most enjoy about your current role?
Since being in employment all of my roles have required a direct form of customer service. Here at Fujitsu, it is no different. It is my main responsibility to meet the demanding and often unexpected needs of our customer. This is the part I enjoy most about my job! Their dynamic nature means no two days are the same and I am challenged to meet their needs on a constant basis. I thrive on being under the pressure of an important and integral customer and the strict deadlines that I have to meet. Providing an excellent level of customer service and being valued as an integral part of the team is the main reason I stay motivated and ready for the next day of work!! Getting a pat on the back from the customer when a project is finished or a piece of work is completed before the deadline tops it all off and empowers me to further myself and exceed customer expectation.
What makes you proud to work for Fujitsu Services?
Fujitsu Services provide IT managed services for some of the UK’s top organisations. Most of the staff who are not involved in the HQ functions of the business will be interacting with one of the many high profile customers that Fujitsu Services have. The global presence and the constant successes and evolution of Fujitsu as a company makes me extremely proud. Somewhat in addition, working for, and in many cases alongside our customer gives me extra pride because of the importance and effect that they have to millions of people in the UK.
What other roles have you had within Fujitsu Services and how do they differ from your current role?
As an industrial trainee, I am contracted to spend one year with Fujitsu Services. Alongside my normal responsibilities, we are encouraged to explore the account and look at and spend time with the different departments. This allows us to build up an understanding of the different units that allow the account to work effectively.
What advice would you give to people looking to develop a career in your capability/business unit?
As a multinational organisation, there are a vast range of career opportunities available in many different roles within the organisation. As part of the customer service unit, a person with good teamwork and communicational skills is vital to ensure that an exceptional level of customer service is met almost daily. We are exposed to the customer many times each day and it requires a great deal of business awareness and I have found that you need to be a very good listener and also prepared to go that extra mile. The main advice I can give to anybody interested in customer service is that you really do need to be a team player. Enthusiasm and a “get up and go” attitude are also extremely valuable.
Extra curricular activities – what do you get up to outside work?
The best thing about Fujitsu Services in my short time here has been the range of activities and communities that you can get involved in. Whether it’s getting involved with raising money for local schools or socialising on theatre and cinema trips, there genuinely is something for everyone.
My two main passions are raising money for charity and being involved in sport. Since I have been here at Fujitsu I have taken advantage of the many physical activities available. A normal week for me will start with aerobics on a Monday lunchtime, yoga on Tuesdays after work and circuit training on a Wednesday lunchtime. All these activities take part in the same building that I work in!! And there’s not to mention the football and cricket team that I am a part of with weekly games on a Monday and Thursday evening respectively.
I have met and built relationships with a huge range of people at all levels of the company. I have also actively taken part in raising money for charity and recently organised a pool tournament to help raise money for Comic Relief 2007. It’s great how the company encourages you to take part in extra curricular activities.
