I joined the Analytics unit as an operational researcher. I came to the department through the Government Operational Research Service and this is the second department I have worked in.
Our team provides analytical support for the whole department meaning I get to work on a range on analytical projects. This has included work to support accessibility for all in the transport sector and developing a dashboard for the Rail team. I have also created a model in R to forecast diversity in the organisation for HR. In a typical day I could be working on several projects, manipulating data in excel, coding, or meeting with stakeholders to discuss analysis.
The department offers a lot of good opportunities both in variety of interesting work and depth of training. Working in a team like I do provides a good overview of the department and the different work we do and ensures you aren’t always working in one area. The work is challenging but interesting and I enjoy seeing the impact it has on the department. There is also a wide variety of training available, both specific to analysts provided in regular analytical learning seminars and more broadly. There is also support in specific areas such as the Datacamp licenses provided to staff looking to improve their coding.
There is also a good work life balance with the ability to use flexi time and to balance office and home working to what suits the staff member the best.