Consulting Analyst Review

My role currently involves supporting the Solution Architecture team on multiple deals. I mainly do ad-hoc tasks and then fill up the rest of my time with extra-curricular work.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have definitely learnt a lot of completely new skills on the various different projects i have had. These include skills relating to specific project tasks such as testing, release management and solution architecture; as well as generally how to be a great employee. Not only this but I have gained in confidence too.

I have now completed my programme but I did thoroughly enjoy it. Whilst we had issues with our training provider QA, I'm really glad Accenture chose to change who they do the apprenticeship with to UEL. This was definitely the best decision after they saw how much trouble QA gave us. The programme has definitely given me so many skills that I would otherwise not have gained, and I am incredibly grateful for all Accenture has done for me.

The organisation surrounding the structure could do with improving. As mentioned, they acted on improving the organisation from the training-provider side which was great, but now more action needs to be taken on the internal structure. Some of the apprentice leads are not as approachable as I feel the senior members believe them to be, and I feel that improving this would really help a lot of the apprentices. Not only this, but there appears to be favouritism with some of the apprentices. A lot of them are chosen to do extra-curricular activities without the offer being given to the wider network. I'm not sure entirely how fair this is on other apprentices as I know a lot of people would be willing but they never hear of opportunities.

They provide a decent amount of support and recently imposed a stronger network of apprentice leads. Though I have not gotten to know these people as I have graduated from the scheme, they seem to be doing an okay job. As mentioned, not all the leads are as approachable as believed to be, however, meaning that some people don't feel comfortable going to them for help or advice. However, they do make a point of saying to reach out if we need help. I feel more could be done for new joiners in terms of supporting them. Perhaps more regular meetings to discuss how they are getting on.

Our training provider QA was awful and incredibly unorganised. They regularly booked us onto the wrong courses, and didn't tell us which courses we were booked onto. I was personally called into the sessions twice incorrectly when they messed up my schedule and I don't think I was reimbursed for this. Not only this, but the tutoring is very bad and not of university standard. On one group project, we were given great feedback on a draft. Another tutor then marked our final report and failed us- citing areas we had included through instruction as being irrelevant. Though we tried to argue this, we were not allowed to get it remarked by the original tutor. This meant we were capped at 40% and it was the reason I did not get a first overall. I am very glad to hear Accenture have stopped using QA, and that they are now using UEL. I cannot comment on their support as I have never been there.

I do not believe that anything I learnt at QA has helped me in my job. I cannot remember anything from it and do not apply it to my day job.

Yes there are many extra-curricular activities for social networking and sports. In terms of apprenticeships specifically, they hold some events but not everyone is always invited to them. I don't think this is very fair.

Yes

I feel I have learnt so much here despite the negative interactions with QA. I definitely feel like this apprenticeship has changed my life and I'm incredibly grateful for all the company have done for me.

I would tell them to read up on some case studies as they ask about this in the interviews. Other than this, I would say to look over the usual stuff and just be yourself as they value that.