Applications Consultant Review

I am an Applications Consultant aligned with the Oracle SaaS team within Capgemini UK. My role is more functional so this involves providing and configuring Oracle applications for a range of clients so that they are able to transform their organisations. Depending on the project I am working on I could be assisting Managing Consultants, Solution and Technical Architects and as well as Test Managers on the delivery of a solution for a client. So far my responsibilities have included working on functional documentation, configuring systems and testing. I also balance this with the degree aspect of the course, working on assignments and coursework.

Within the first 8 weeks of the course, I have learnt about programming languages such as Java, SQL, Python and Ruby being able to use them to develop real-life applications. I have also further developed my communication and collaborative skills from various group tasks and found that I am a lot more confident in presenting. I have also earned Oracle certificates from their Pre-Sales and Sales training.

The Capgemini Degree Apprenticeship has provided me with valuable opportunities to collaborate with different types of people working towards a unified goal. This is something that has been the highlight of the programme so far because I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about new ideas and contributing my own knowledge to a team. I have also enjoyed the activities the Graduate and Apprenticeship team have organised where I am able to create great memories with my colleagues.

The Degree Apprenticeship is well structured and organised. From the onboarding stage, I have been well informed throughout the process. The week-long induction was very informative filled with information to get you started as well as workshops and sessions to develop interpersonal skills that you would need for the work environment. I was also paired with a buddy who was already on the programme, which I have been forever grateful for as they are able to provide firsthand advice and support based on their experience of the course. I am also provided with a reviewer who I communicate with on a weekly basis where we discuss my academic progress and what I can do to improve. I definitely feel that I am not short of support in this programme. Assignment deadlines and exam dates are provided when I started so I was able to plan ahead.

I am never short of support in Capgemini UK. During the induction, the programme managers make sure you are well informed about who is best able to deal with a query that you may have. I am provided with various points of contact from my buddy who I communicate with daily to my reviewer who is able to deal with more important inquiries. From my experience so far even those that are in a more senior level are happy to help me whenever they are available to.

The lectures provided are always enthusiastic about this programme and so far have been helpful making sure that I can understand the academic content and achieve the best possible grade in my assignments. However, it is sometimes difficult to get a response outside of office hours from some of the lectures. I have also been provided with skills coach which I think is very beneficial in the growth of my personal development.

With the knowledge gained from the degree aspect of this programme, I am better able to understand how to use technology to improve a client's business and the product life-cycle of developing and applications/ solution for the client. With this knowledge, I can provide valuable information to the teams that I work in contributing to the successful delivery of a solution.

The community in Capgemini UK is always very active and looking for ways to give back to the public. There are always opportunities to participate in charity fundraisers, volunteer for workshops and events where we educate prospective students about apprenticeships, football matches between different delivery units, planned trips abroad for the graduate and apprentices.

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Capgemini UK strives to create a positive working environment for their employees. They always encourage employees to speak out and listen to feedback. There are so many support groups like the Techwomen groups, the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network and OUTfront network for the LGBT+ employees and straight allies. They are very much focused on inclusivity and I don't think you'll find a more positive and supportive environment elsewhere.

Look at the Capgemini UK websites, research their core value and analyse if and how you meet those values. Don't be afraid to reach out to employees through their social media platforms and ask about their experience in working at Capgemini. If you can, attend their events so you can talk with apprentices directly for advice about the application and onboarding process.