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September Spartan of the Month: Harshini Hirani

After graduating with a first-class degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Hertfordshire, Harshini joined Sparta Global to pursue her passion for Data and Technology. Academy training equipped her with both technical and professional skills, preparing her for success as an Analyst Tester Lead for a wealth management client at a top consulting firm. Just 16 months into her tech career, Harshini is already leading major projects, building strong professional connections, and performing at a senior consultant level. Recently named Spartan of the Month, she is proud to have her hard work and dedication recognised.

Congratulations Harshini on being named Spartan of the Month! How did it feel when you found out?

It was really nice to hear I was Spartan of the Month as it is always nice to have your efforts and hard work recognised!

How long has it been now since joining Sparta Global?

About 16 months now, I joined in May of 2024.

And what were you doing before joining?

I studied at the University of Hertfordshire, where I received a first-class degree in Biomedical Science.

Wow, a massive congratulations on your result! Upon finishing your degree, what made you decide Sparta Global was the right career move for you?

When I finished university, I realised I wanted to work more with Data Analysis and Tech, so I completed a Data bootcamp. I was very interested in gaining exposure to the Tech industry and was intrigued by the training program the academy had to offer in Sparta Global as well as the various opportunities that their extensive network was able to provide. I reached out to multiple Spartans who were already in the Academy and they couldn't recommend the program enough, so I know this was the right career move for me. 

That's great to hear! And when it came to training experience at the Academy, how did you find it, and how well did it prepare you for work?

The 2 week training program was intensive but comprehensive and provided all knowledge required for the Business Solutions role. The training was detailed and allowed me to prepare for my current Analyst role and also allowed me to prepare for my BCS Foundation certification in Business Analysis. The emphasis on developing both technical and professional skills was valuable in preparing me for the career opportunities that followed the Academy.

One of the best parts of the Academy is the people. What kinds of connections have you built through Sparta?

I’ve made some amazing friends through the Academy, some are even in the same client role as me, which makes it so much easier to share experiences, have relatable conversations, and study together for exams. Beyond Sparta, I’ve also built great connections on my client site with Analysts, Senior Consultants, Managers, and Directors. These relationships have been crucial in growing my confidence and sharpening both Analytical and workplace skills.

Speaking of your client role, where are you working now and what’s your current position?

I’m an Analyst Tester Lead for a Wealth Management client at a top Consulting company.

And what does that look like day-to-day? What do you get stuck into?

I manage two of the largest pods for our client. I manage backlog, sending estimates and build classification documents. I lead calls with internal and external stakeholders, provide insights on our weekly SteerCo call, analyse BSDs and user story requirements utilising Jira and confluence and engage daily with client PMs, DMs and SCs.

How are you finding your first tech role so far?

I am really enjoying my first Tech role, it has been amazing to build my technical skills and confidence in communication skills. I love how no two days are the same, and I can continuously learn new things. I have accelerated in my performance allowing my managers to state I am working at a senior consultant level which has really motivated me to continue with my upskilling.
 

Finally, would you recommend Sparta to other graduates, and if so, why?

Sparta provides a valuable pathway into major companies that can be hard to break into-particularly in a competitive field like Business Analysis. I'd strongly recommend Sparta to anyone looking to enter the Tech industry, especially those without much prior experience, as it really helps open doors and kick-start your career.