Developer Review

Your role will vary based on the project you are currently assigned to. Typical roles you may get range from business analyst to developer. Although starting out, it can be difficult to find project roles- if you are not assigned to a project, you are expected to complete training to up-skill and also take on side-of-desk work. I have had the opportunity to work as a developer in which I build components according to client requirements, and provide input to technical solution designs. I have also been able to develop my interpersonal skills having led calls with the client and provide support to a development team. There are also a number of extra-curricular activities you can get involved in, some of which could include providing sessions on a particular concept/technology, or putting together company newsletters.

Joining Accenture, I knew that I wanted to up-skill on the Salesforce platform. I have been able to integrate with the Salesforce practice at Accenture and attend multiple training courses in preparation for Salesforce certifications. Using a combination of my own project experience and the trainings I have attended, I have since been able to attain 7 Salesforce certifications. Furthermore, from project experience, I have been able to learn about general DevOps processes and using Git. Having been able to work as a developer, I have also refined my skills in programming, including: Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript and SQL.

The programme is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight and experience into a career in the tech industry. I have felt well supported throughout the duration of the apprenticeship and am grateful to have been able to develop my career from a young age. It can be stressful at times given the work/study/social balance, but as long as your concerns are communicated you will get the support you need. Within the company, you are treated as a normal employee and have equal opportunities to network and grow, as well as being recognised for your work. Management are often sociable and approachable, and there are plenty of opportunities to sociailise within your project team and the company as a whole.

During university term-time every Monday is allocated to attend university while the rest of the week you will be working for the company. There are also two occasions each year in which you will attend 2-week university block training for modules. You also get study leave allowance each year in which you can use to take time off to complete university/apprentice work. However, the amount of study leave each year is not communicated very clearly. It can also be unclear as to where you sit within the company and what initiatives you are eligible for.

There are many support networks both as an apprentice and full-time employee. You will have an contacts for different aspects of the apprenticeship programme, as well as a career counsellor to provide you guidance on your career i.e. actions to take to improve promotion prospects. In addition to this. you will have an assigned HR advisor for HR-related enquiries. In regards to your project role, project teams are often very supportive and accommodating- don't be afraid to speak up with any concerns/challenges you are facing. There are also programmes within the company to support you with specific technologies, general health & wellbeing, mental health and more.

The university assigns you a dedicated academic advisor to supervise your progress and support you academically. You also have access to the same resources as full-time students, including the library and feedback on coursework. Your feedback and concerns are proactively listened to and acted upon as they have your best interests at heart. However, support from your lecturers will vary depending on the lecturer. Often they take awhile to respond to emails and provide feedback on your coursework.

The technical aspects of the programme may help in terms of the concepts you will learn, but not necessarily the technologies you use. It is good to understand the theories you come across as they may come in useful on your project roles. The business-focused modules of the degree are more applicable to your role within the company and can help you to understand the structure of projects and the methodologies/ways of working used.

There is always something to do at Accenture- you will regularly receive invites to events or opportunities in your inbox. You also have an allowance of 3 days per year in which you can use to volunteer for charities of which there are a multitude of volunteering opportunities that you can participate in. There are plenty of networking events going on all the time to get to know your colleagues as well as meet new contacts which could help you to find new roles. Depending on your project, you may also have the opportunity to go out for drinks or have dinner with your team. There are many societies and committees that you also have the opportunity to join; you may also propose to start your own initiatives!

Yes

Accenture is a great place to start out your career given that you will have opportunities to work with many different technologies, industries, and clients. There are always training opportunities to participate in so that you can up-skill and develop a wide skill set. Outside of your project role, there are many extra-curriculars you can get involved with and you will have plenty of opportunities to socialise and get to know the people around you.

As this is an apprenticeship, they do not expect you to have a plethora of prior experience. It is important that you express a passion for technology and a willingness to learn, and having shown an interest in particular technologies and the company. For the assessment, ensure that you are vocal about your thoughts on the case study and are proactively participating, but at the same time remain respectful of your peers and even help engage the others.