In this, the ninth of a series of ‘In our shoes’ blogs, Triad Business Analyst Rhianna Conway explains what it’s like to graduate from university and join a listed IT consultancy.
How would you describe your role, and what is a typical day at Triad like for you?
Every day is different at Triad, and that’s what I like best. The fact that no two days are the same means there’s a variety in your workload and the tasks you get to do. Although a typical day always starts with a good cup of tea and head scratches for my dog Scamp. A Business Analyst takes the time to analyse current business practices within organisations in various ways, with the ultimate goal of suggesting and communicating recommendations for improving business operations – it’s this that makes the role so varied and extremely interesting for me.
What is the hardest thing about your role?
As the name suggests, business analysis requires a lot of analysis! A complex variety of techniques is used to conduct analysis in meaningful ways that ensure you arrive at a solution that is fit for its intended purpose. Choosing the right one is important. And it is easy to get lost in the detail.
What do you love most about your role?
There are so many aspects of my role that I enjoy, but what I love and appreciate most is the support I receive whilst developing my skills as a business analyst. I joined Triad after graduating from university and during COVID. Despite the need to work remotely, someone was always there to help me. We also have quarterly reviews that allow us to discuss our development or any ideas we want to put forward. I always enjoy these reviews. It is a chance to speak freely about anything and everything.
What’s your superpower?
If I had to pick a superpower, it would be possessing the ability to analyse and assess future outcomes. As a Business Analyst, it’s our job to look ahead and assess how a possible solution may fit a client’s need and present the options. I definitely think all BAs possess these abilities in one sense or another.
How long have you been at Triad? And what achievement at Triad are you most proud of?
I’ve been at Triad for almost 2 years, and it has flown by! The achievement I’m most proud of is co-hosting the Triad Challenge with my colleague and University of Northampton (UoN) Alumni, Jenny Slade-Pedrick. We’ve just hosted it for the second year and are extremely pleased to have had a further two UoN alumni join us; Daria Czajkowska and Sabina Muskietorz, both of whom attended our challenges.
Do you have a role model? And if so, how have they influenced you?
I have two role models in my mum and dad. My mum influenced me by always being there when I needed her and teaching me to stand up for myself and what I believe in. She was always proud of me and was a supportive influence in my life. This helped me become confident in myself and my abilities and go for what I want in life.
My dad taught me the power of forward thinking and, much like my mum, the ability to stand up for myself and go for what I want. He’s also taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to and has moulded me into the resilient person I am today. I am thankful for both of their influences in my life.
What do you think makes Triad different from other IT consultancies?
It is an incredibly supportive organisation to work in. They value new ideas and, if there’s scope, encourage you to implement them. I feel listened to and valued in all aspects of my role. This was demonstrated to me by the creation of The Triad Challenge. Jenny and I presented the concept to Adrian Leer (our Managing Director), who loved it. He backed us to pull it off, checked in to ensure we were ok, and joined us at the event. Adrian’s physical presence and support meant a lot. At the time, I was fresh out of university, and it was just a surreal experience to be co-creating and co-hosting an event with Jenny after having only been in Triad for a matter of months.
How would you describe the Triad culture, and how do you think it has changed since you joined Triad?
I think that the Triad culture is one of support and respect. It also embodies self-development and learning for individuals, which I appreciate immensely. Triad is sponsoring my BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis, which is very exciting.
If you have a question for Rhianna or the Triad team, please get in touch.
