Software Engineering Apprentice Review

Currently in first year - days involve falling into routine set by myself and colleagues involving meetings to discuss work and business. If there's any work to do I will get down to it usually with assistance from my peers. A lot of the time days can involve networking and getting accustomed to the office lifestyle and Goldman specific environment. I meet a lot of people and get insight on their various contributions as well as introductions to technologies I haven't heard of and how they're put to use. This can result in a semi unstructured routine - unlike school per say - but that can lean to being a strength as it puts my career in my own hands and provides an easing in experience to it all.

I've gained confidence in communicating with team members in a formal setting as well as the obvious development of technical skills that come from both the university side and work side. I've also learnt how to manage my time better to be able to adapt to a very different lifestyle.

The programme has been quite stress free in being a very crucial turning point of my working life. Whilst it is still very early days I feel as though I'm getting more out of my university years than if I had gone through UCAS to study Computer Science as I'm able to get a taste of what my experience will be like after graduation. Also, the people are both very supportive and charming and have made me fit in much faster than I would have expected to.

We are the fourth year of apprentices and hence it is a fairly young programme compared to others. The synergy between the programme management and every other individual can fall short sometimes but I never feel as though this is crippling. We're all trusted to make responsible decisions and we understandably have to deal with certain compliance policies when it comes to university work that other programmes don't. All in all I haven't felt hindered at all by the structure of the programme but I can feel as though my experience and training in the workplace isn't necessarily planned out or prepared but is between me and my peers to organise.

From my immediate peers I receive constant support both in training and general well being. Managers emphasise the importance of catchup meetings where you can update them on your progress and you can both discuss what to aim for going forward. Team members make sure to involve me in discussions nad make sure I feel comfortable with my workload and current affairs.

The university is good, the modules have involved some talented lecturers that have a healthy set of tools that are available to us. The specification is set out clearly albeit somewhat uniquely. The university and my employer communicate well in streamlining our coursework of any issues as to avoid giving us too much hassle.

Currently, there is no direct relation between what we learn and what we would be required to use at work. A lot of the contributions I've made have been as learning through experience. However, obviously the training is based on a progression of learning and the university does progress my understanding of programming and digital technologies.

Yeah there is a wealth of social groups and activities to get involved in during your time here. I am constantly notified about specific apprentice networking events that I can attend as well as the fact that Goldman holds several talks with various business leaders discussing their careers and insights.

Yes

It is a constantly good experience both professionally and informally. I feel as though I have a very good chance in making a career within this industry thanks to the support and training Goldman's provides. It is also a great opportunity to be able to work among real professionals in top level businesses.

Do not feel as if you're falling short with a CV devoid of any proper coding experience. Goldman's is very honest in its search for eager and inquisitive individuals as that is what a lot of their culture is made up of. Showing that you're open to learn is letting them want to take you on and teach you.