From Aston University to business analyst
Jordan Best chose to study BSc (Hons) Business Analytics at Aston University due to the reputation of Aston Business School, and the course developing new practices to meet the everchanging world of modern business.
Jordan is now a junior business analyst at System C Healthcare Ltd., putting into practice the technical knowledge and skills gained during his degree to deploy both analytical and managerial practices into the business world. Here's what he had to say.
Why did you choose Aston University?
One of the main reasons I wanted to study at Aston University was due to the University’s reputation of being exceptional for business and management with triple accredited programmes. This later provided me with a plethora of technical knowledge and skills to deploy both analytical and managerial practices into the business world, both in my placement year at Meggitt PLC and in my graduate career at System C Healthcare Ltd.
In addition, Aston University was one of the first universities in the country to bring in the BSc Business Analytics programme in 2019, making Aston a pioneering academic institution for developing new practices to meet the everchanging world of modern business.
This decision was supported by the highly renowned professors who were leading the programme, who would become pivotal in challenging students to succeed in some of the most challenging modules in business.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
The most enjoyable part of the BSc Business Analytics programme was the development of your theoretical and practical knowledge throughout the four years. When you have an environment which has supportive classmates and professors, it helps to become more curious about concepts and it encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to aid my understanding of modules.
Did you do any extracurricular activities? Did you join any clubs?
In addition to my studies I was working part time, but I was sure to take breaks during the week by joining the Aston Cobras rugby union and a local rugby union called Aston Old Edwardians. As someone who played regular rugby, I was able to casually train and play in the club which brought a good balance to my study, work, and social life to ensure I wasn’t burning out.
The inclusivity these rugby clubs had during my studies allowed me to make friends whilst playing a sport I truly enjoy. I was fortunate to support newcomers to the sport, by making them feel included as much as possible and providing them with assistance in training to help develop their skills whilst enjoying the sport and community.
Did you complete a placement? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
I spent my placement year at Meggitt PLC, a British international organisation which specialises in components for aerospace, defense, and energy markets.
My placement year at Meggitt PLC provided me with an eye-opening experience in how data can be utilised to provide an array of solutions to the unprecedented challenges within industry 4.0. With the Smart Connected Shop Floor project that I have been immersed in, it highlights so many opportunities that companies could explore with new technologies in making their operation processes more efficient.
During my placement year, I worked as a business analyst that specialised in the reporting and analytics projects within the digital team, which composed of the research and development of new digital technologies to deploy within the organisations operational processes. My focus was on a project called Smart-Connected-Shop-Floor (SCSF) conducted by Accenture alongside other leading manufacturing companies (Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, GSK, Nissan, Airbus, GKN, and more) in the form of a consortium. This experience highlights the endless opportunities that companies could explore with new technologies in making their operation processes more efficient.
What would you say to any student thinking of studying your course at Aston University?
For students thinking about studying BSc Business Analytics at Aston University, my best advice would be:
- Research the modules before they begin
Take some time to review the modules, lesson structures, and specific topics covered before the lectures begin. This will prepare you to become more curious about the module and it creates an engaging environment for you and the professors to solidify your knowledge and to help other classmates. By doing this, you can gauge whether this course aligns with your interests and career goals. - Always try to introduce yourself to the professors
Reach out to your professors early on in each semester as this will benefit you in the long term, especially if you have a professor for multiple modules. The more familiar the professors become with you, the easier it becomes to gain feedback as they will understand your approach to assignments and projects. Even so, by having that personal connection, it can give you an opportunity to have casual conversations and they can provide you with support on personal matters. - Attend Open Days
If the university holds open days, always attend them as this will give you a firm understanding of the course and what content will be covered throughout the degree. This also provides you with a platform to ask questions and to get to know your potential course mates. - Be open minded
By simply having this mindset, you can visualise the opportunities in which this degree can present to you in the long-term, both academically and professionally. Once you begin to understand the fundamentals of business analytics, it opens your mind to the endless possibilities of how to approach problems and how to create innovative methods to help improve yourself in all areas of life.
If you could give one piece of career advice to your fellow Aston University alumni, what would it be?
Enjoy the journey. Life may throw challenges that aren’t easy to solve but remember where you started at Aston University and look to where you are now, appreciate how far you have already come. You shouldn’t get too caught up in life, as you may forget to make the most of where you are with your life and career. Always take the time to appreciate your achievements - live a little.