Data Scientist (Intern/Trainee) Review

My role involved researching emerging technologies and future trends to see how they would affect other businesses. I was also rotated into other teams, which involved getting hands-on experience with such new technologies and presenting my findings on it. There were other pieces of training aside from the team I was rotated in, which provided me with a new skill-set based on how to plan a new project.

I developed my presentation skills through getting more experience and performing them with a variety of different groups. The pressure for each presentation also gradually increased with my growth, which made sure I was comfortable to present. My research skills have also been greatly enhanced throughout my time on the placement.

I enjoyed most portions of my time on the placement due to how I was learning and developing new skills. I also realised areas where I lacked knowledge on, which helped me understand where I can improve upon. Some aspects were less enjoyable due to the lack of preparation for our arrival.

The first team I worked with was the least structured due to how I was just introduced to the company. They also did not understand my capabilities until my rotation was ending. However, my other rotations were better structured and provided me with options for work I wanted to do.

I had a lot of support from my career coach and she was open to listen to what interested in and directed me to work related to it. My managers were also very caring and were quick to respond to any inquiries that I had in regards to the work I was assigned.

I had training material whenever I needed it or had the time to complete it. However, I did not make use of these features during my apprenticeship since I was busy doing my assignments. Outside of this, though, people have been supportive with me and teaching me different concepts as I needed them.

Some of my skills were utilised in my placement. Mostly, it related to research and report writing as well as general IT skills. My more technical skills were less utilised during my rotations into different teams. However, group projects were set up by my managers for me to utilise those skills.

Extra curricular activities are available for me to join, such as sports clubs and group social activities. The invitations were always open to us, despite how we would be joining for a relatively short time. However, I seldom attended these events due to how I am generally not interested in these activities.

Yes

I would only recommend this apprenticeship to a really specific group of people due to how my experience did not have a recurring theme for work. Someone who would enjoy a large variety of types of work and is interested in developing in areas such as presentation and research would gain a lot from this.

Be prepared to do a variety of work - some that is less to do with your interests and some that are more aligned to them. Everyone is very kind in the workplace, so do not feel afraid to speak your mind and ask questions whenever you have any during the placement.