Data Science Graduate Apprentice Review

At the moment, I'm still studying at university in my first year so I've been able to have a full university experience. In the summer, I will be working with PwC in one of their UK offices although I don't know what my day-to-day tasks will look like yet as clients will always have new and potentially unexpected briefs.

As a student, I've had to develop time keeping skills in order to fulfill coursework on time and to a high standard. As an essentially full time student, I've had the opportunity to develop my social skills by living in halls and making many new friends. Regular correspondence with PwC has given me practice in writing professional emails.

My programme is very enjoyable because it will give me the opportunity to study at university full time in the first two years to get the most out of the uni experience while offering invaluable varied and challenging work experience over the course of the 4 years. Having a salary as an essentially full time student really does open up a lot of opportunities such as trips with societies etc.

This is the first year my programme has been offered and so there has inevitably been some changes made during the course of the first year. PwC has been very good about keeping us up to date and informed of any relevant changes and the structure has followed that which was set out at the beginning fairly reliably.

There are plenty of opportunities to ask for support at PwC and university. PwC assigned us buddies and career coaches at the beginning of the year and gave us the chance to ask any questions about the company or the programme. At university, there are solid wellbeing networks and career advice which we have been informed about.

The university offers drop in sessions throughout the semester so students can keep on top of their coursework and revision. Regular tutorials allow us to consolidate learning and practice exam-style questions. Our tutors are always accessible by email and quite happy to respond to questions about coursework, tutorials or revision.

I can't say yet as I haven't begun the summer placement yet although PwC has given us an idea of what we'll be taking part in by organising various face to face meetings as well as web seminars. These have allowed us to see how what we're learning in our classes may be applied in our placements.

Yes, PwC has its own professional social network which we are encouraged to participate in. This gives us the opportunity to reach out to experts in whatever field we might have a query about but also allows us to get involved in extra curriculars such as sports teams and parties.

Yes

This programme has allowed me to enjoy the full student experience and gain invaluable work experience in the industry I'd like to enter. Having a salary paid regularly throughout the year enables me to get the most out of my university experience and alleviates a lot of the stress associated with finances at university.

PwC has materials on it's website which will help you get a feel for the company and what they're looking for in an applicant. I would absolutely encourage anyone to apply - the process isn't as daunting as it may seem from the outset and the benefits of the graduate apprenticeship really are second to none.