Name: Vicki Ramsell
University attended: Brunel University
Degree obtained: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Age: 24 years
Job title: Information Systems Implementation Analyst

Hands-on experience attracted me to PA. I was aware that I could get exposure to senior clients from a variety of organisations, even at graduate level, and I haven’t been disappointed! Coming from a design background I was at first unsure if my specialist skills would be suitable for consultancy, but PA embrace a wide variety of specialisms and helps you progress down your own career path. My job has been fast-moving and varied since day one, and I face new challenges on a daily basis.

Current role

In my current role I am working within a small team creating the optimum customer experience for a consumer using BT’s eCommerce website.

Monday

I arrive at the PA offices just before 9am. I’ve just started a new project, and my colleague has e-mailed me with the latest background information about the company I’ll be working for, the people I’ll be working with, and the details of the project. I write down any essential questions I have about the project before going into a meeting with the rest of the project team for an initial briefing. I discover I need to attend a two-day workshop at the client’s offices from tomorrow.

In the afternoon, I’m approached by my Line Manager asking if I would like to help my skill group make a presentation about our account at this evening’s quarterly Practice Meeting. I am delighted, although a little nervous at the prospect of presenting to a large number of people. I spend the afternoon preparing, and at 6pm I meet the rest of my skill group and we make the presentation. Afterwards, I get the opportunity to socialise with my colleagues.

Tuesday

I leave home at 6.30am and catch a tube to the client’s office for an 8am start. I meet my team on site half an hour early in order to set up the meeting room before our client’s arrival. We break for lunch at 1pm and I use the opportunity to network with clients over lunch. The day ends at 6pm. Keen to stay on top of my workload, I catch up on my actions from the day on my laptop on the train home.

Wednesday

The second day of the workshop commences, again at 8am. During a break my project manager asks if I would be comfortable facilitating the client workshop for the rest of the day. I rise to the challenge, and set about preparing over lunch. I draw on many skills learnt in my recent graduate training courses and from experience passed on to me by my colleagues, and I successfully lead the remainder of the workshop. Tired, but satisfied that I have achieved a great deal over the past two days, I join the team in a local wine bar to unwind.

Thursday

First thing I catch up on my e-mails. I then attend a wash-up meeting with my project team at 10am. I am given some interim deliverables to be completed by the end of the week. At 11.30am I have a review meeting with the project manager from my previous assignment, where we discuss my overall performance during that project. The remainder of the day is clear, so I take the opportunity to get started on my project work. I leave just before 7pm and make my way to the gym.

Friday

I start the day doing some administrative tasks. At 11am I catch a tube across London to the client’s offices and attend a key stakeholder meeting, the details of which I am briefed upon en route. I return to the PA offices to type up my meeting notes and then continue with my project work, liaising with my colleagues when needed. At 5.30pm I submit my work via e-mail, and round off the week with a few drinks with some graduate friends.