Infrastructure Degree Apprentice Review

My current role is : Deployment Analyst in a network transformation project. On day to day basis I analyze clients data, engaging with various stakeholders and ensuring that what we're doing aligns with clients needs. Day to day is never the same, as one day I can be configuring devices and fixing software/hardware issues, another I can be analyzing data to find faults/data validating. It's a very varied environment.

Since the time i started, I have absolutely developed my soft and hard skills. Constant engagement in a business environment, observing and talking to professionals has developed my soft skills drastically. I'm a lot more confident, well spoken and efficient. Throughout my degree, I gained valuable knowledge which I can see being used day to day. This allows me to understand the content easier. Due to being in the work environment, I had the opportunity to observe how different technologies are implemented and used in real world, giving an invaluable insight.

As an ex university student, I can easily say that I prefer this apprenticeship over a traditional education. I absolutely love my programme and believe that it is the best decision I made regarding starting my career. My apprenticeship gives me tremendous amount of opportunities to get involved outside hours of work - different societies, field related events (festivals, expos, etc), which develops me outside of it.

In my opinion - the structure of the apprenticeship is great. Weekly content is provided, along with various recommendations to study in your own time. There is plenty of support from tutors and your colleagues too. This apprenticeship promotes you to study in your own pace and teaches you how to use your time wisely. My most favourite thing is - exploring what you like within the field is promoted. Nobody is holding your hand all the way through the programme, you're encouraged to study and explore yourself, which allows you to develop as an individual(although there's a lot of support!).

My employer provides me enormous amounts of support. My programme is an absolute priority and everyone understands the importance of it. We're constantly helped and encouraged to find opportunities outside our degree to explore our knowledge. Managers are always keen to help and ensure that you have any additional time required for studies. We also have our personal career counselors and advisers which can guide you if any problems occur. In general - the attitude towards me as an apprentice is no different than to any other employee. Generally, people get surprised when they find out I'm an apprentice!

Through our studies, we're always in touch with our lecturers. We're constantly contacted about content, we have discussion forums and they're available at any time to help with anything related to your degree. Personally, I've asked for plenty of advice regarding different topics and my tutors were very assisting. Generally, tutors are happy to discuss our work experience and how it relates to what we're studying. I absolutely enjoy my degree.

I absolutely think that my studies through the training provider increased my knowledge in understanding the industry as a whole. Having work experience, I can see how technology is implemented and how it works in the real world, but due to my degree studies - I know the theory behind it and how it works. It creates a great balance and makes me perform better as I understand what I'm doing and can solve various problems.

There is an enormous amount of extra-curricular activities that involve pretty much everything you can think of. Social clubs involving sports, reading, exploring and even wine tasting! There's absolutely something for everyone. We also get plenty of networking events that are both - formal and informal. This allows us to expand our network and make new connections within the industry. In my time in the company, I have been involved in plenty of networking events, expos, classes and now I'm planning on volunteering for the local community (which my employer encourages).

Yes

Accenture is a very well known name in the industry, which is a huge benefit to your career. But mainly - companies culture is absolutely great. Accenture offers you plenty of opportunities to self develop professionally and personally by offering support, various courses and mainly - an opportunity find what you really enjoy.

My best advice apprentices applying to Accenture is - be yourself. Accenture values you as an individual, do not think that your lack of knowledge impacts your chances. Be honest and do not be scared to speak up if you're curious about something. Be passionate about technology and the world. If you're genuinely interested in how the world around you is impacted by technology - Accenture can provide you with resources to chase that passion.