Digital Degree Apprentice Review

As a digital degree apprentice, I study Computer Science at the University of Birmingham. This includes attending lectures, seminars and lab sessions. The course content that we learn eventually feeds into assessments. Once we had finished our first year, we began our summer internship with Vodafone. For ten weeks, I joined the digital project management team. This experience was so rewarding. I was responsible for monitoring the performance of a development team. After finishing this placement last year, I went straight into my second year at university. Later this year, I will be working with Vodafone again as I join a new team for an entire year.

Being on this great programme allows me to develop new and existing skills. From university, I have developed my knowledge of computer science theories, methodologies and practices. One module that stood out this year was our team project module. In a group of seven, we had to make a game using Java. Not only did this improve my coding skills, but I was also able to develop my teamwork skills. From our placement, I gained an extensive understanding of how the agile methodology is adopted.

Being a part of this programme has been absolutely incredible. Both the University of Birmingham and Vodafone offer great support which makes the whole experience worthwhile. I have been able to make the most out of my time at university with no added pressure of searching for internships. I cannot recommend this programme enough.

Despite being a part of the first cohort of this programme, the organisation and structure have been excellent. It has been great to see how relevant the topics that we have studied are also present at Vodafone. For example, Vodafone often uses the Scrum framework. This was also a key topic from our software engineering module. Vodafone also offers a diverse range of roles for our internships.

Vodafone provides fantastic support that makes us feel directly involved with the team even when we are at university. We receive regular news updates and check-ups from our point of contact from Vodafone. This allows us to progress as an individual and be prepared for when we eventually join Vodafone after university.

Alongside Vodafone, the University of Birmingham's Computer Science department also provides excellent support. Lecturers welcome any questions that we may have and encourage us to visit their office hours or email them. Weekly lab sessions also run for our practical modules where we can speak to teaching assistants about course content or assignments.

The computer science content that we are learning is directly applicable to our internships. Having studied concepts from the data structures and logic modules, I feel more prepared stepping into tech roles. Having taken the financial analysis module in my first year, I was introduced to capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX). Managing finances and understanding these business expenses is something that the digital project management team are responsible for.

The University of Birmingham's Guild of Students hosts a range of societies that anyone can join. From sports, volunteering, music and so much more there is always something that will interest you. Vodafone also offers many social and company events that promote networking to help build workplace relationships.

Yes

Vodafone is a great company to work for and their digital degree apprentice scheme is one for every tech enthusiast to consider applying to. The company culture is friendly and you have real responsibilities even during a ten-week internship. Being a part of this programme has allowed me to make the most of my university experience!

It is so important to be yourself. Make sure that you remain cool, calm and collected during the application process. If you do reach the assessment day, well done! You will probably be very nervous but if you do some preparation beforehand and stay calm during the group activities you will ace it. Vodafone looks for individuals who are innovators and are able to produce simple and elegant solutions.