Kaukab Shah

Job:

Senior Business Analyst (IT)

Company:

DWP Digital Group

I look at problems in a business and break them down in smaller problems, I then work with the business to identify requirements. I then work with the technical teams to identify solutions to the problems. These may be implementing new software or changing processes to make improvements to the business

I am...

Committed

Good listener

Confident

The skills I use most in my job...

Analytical

Good listener

The most interesting thing I've worked on in my career so far...

I helped to deliver a £35 million project which focused on improving the student experience on the web portal which students use to register, access thier timetables, access student services etc. at the University of Manchester. I worked in their IT Services department for many years after graduating from there.

What inspired me into digital and tech...

i took computing at GCSE, although i studied sciences and English at A level, it was a teacher in my 6th form who suggested I look into computer science at universtiy

My educational background is...

I studied chemistry, biology and english lit at A level and then went to the University of Manchester to study for a B.Sc in Computation. I then went on the study for a Masters degree in the same subject. In last 4 years I've gained an International Diploma in Business Analysis and also am a ceritified scrum master. I wanted to gain professional qualifications in the area I worked in to allow me to progress further in my career, and I have managed to achieve this whilst being a mum of 2 boys!!

What advice I'd give to girls thinking about a career in digital and tech...

There are many areas you can go into, you don't have to be techical to become a business analyst. If you like solving problems then this is a great profession for you (and it pays well!). You don't have to go to University to become a Business Analyst, you could do a Business Analysis Apprenticeship.