Julie Willis – Senior Business Analyst – Technology
I started my journey at Castle Trust Bank as a Business Analyst before progressing into a Senior Business Analyst. I enjoy being able to shape and define the future of the business and help the business move from one place to another. We are actively encouraged to have a voice and be involved, and people make the difference every day.
What did you do before joining CTB?
I was a Business Analyst for Friends Provident International. I started there as a call handler – which progressed to complaint resolution and then working in projects. But prior to that my career was very different. I trained to be a primary school teacher but ended up nannying. Which is perfect training for working in projects, where I sometimes work with unclear stakeholders! I am still close to the children I was Nanny to – both are now grown up with their own children. And I am most proud to have contributed to the successful adults they have become.
What attracted you to working for CTB?
A young vibrant company still defining itself – and the opportunity to be part of that process. And the pace of change here – working at a large organisation change happens slowly! The opportunity to deliver change at pace and using agile methodology was exciting.
What roles have you had since joining CTB?
Started as a Business Analyst and then progressed to Senior BA. But have worn many hats as part of those roles – release management, overseeing small projects, Test analyst and managing people.
What attracted you to the role that you are in today?
Being able to shape and define the future of the business. And a really inspirational mentor when I was first starting out down this career path.
What (and why) do you enjoy most about the role that you do?
I love being able to help a business move from one place to another. I see myself as a change facilitator – helping a business not only implement change but to focus on what they need (which isn’t always the same as getting what they want). I like helping and supporting people and I love learning new things. Business Analysis enables you to do both these.
What have you found challenging about your current role?
For me, working on a project where the business case/objective was not clearly defined form outset. It makes it hard to ensure that you are guiding the business to get them what they need if that goal or purpose hasn’t been defined. I am pleased that processes are changing and that we have aspirations as a business to get better at that.
What training and development opportunities have you / are you receiving?
Being able to dabble in areas I have an interest in – such as project management. More recently attending an agile project management course which reinvigorated my love of projects.
What are your future career aspirations?
I am not sure yet – I’ve never been someone who had a clear 5 year plan of goal. But there is obvious progression when you look at the path I have taken. I continue to love being a BA but have an interest in aspects of project management that I would like to explore and expand my experience of.
How would you describe the culture here at CTB?
I have seen the culture change so much in the 8 years I have been here – for the better. From a ‘tell and do’ environment to one where we are actively encouraged to have a voice and be involved. To where caring for your colleagues is at the heart of how we operate and where you can be yourself at work. It hasn’t always been that way here and I like that we’ve grown and changed our culture while retaining a commercial edge and stretching to reach new goals.
What makes CTB a unique place to work?
Firstly the people, hands down. People make the difference every day. I couldn’t do my job without my immediate and wider team. Not just with their skills and knowledge but the support the banter and morale that interacting with them gives. Then the diversity of experience. There are opportunities here for people who want to grab them and run with them. Roles are not set in stone, you can develop and grow and expand your experience outside the traditional realms of your role if you want to.