Digital Degree Apprentice Review

On my remote summer placement as a Network Analytics Specialist work consisted of using Python APIs to leverage data. I was using libraries such as Pandas and Matplotlib to visualise data. I also worked with Geospatial Information Systems like ArcGIS to visualise data geographically. On a day to day basis at the University I may be completing assignments and attending lectures. During lockdown this has been remotely from home. I have covered topic such as, but not limited to: Java, Artificial Intelligence (using libraries such as Numpy, Pomegranate), Security and Networks.

Many new skills including but not limited to: - Geospatial Information Systems (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) - Pandas (Manipulating tabular and spatial data) - ArcPy (Importing data into geodatabase) - Java and Object Oriented Programming - Haskell and Functional Programming - Robotics - Network and local Security - C and C++ - Linux Operating System (making a kernel module) Some existing skills: - REST APIs (specifically Microsoft Azure REST API) - Django Web Framework

The programme is amazing because I get to do a full University degree in Computer Science (which I wanted to do anyway) at a top university - University of Birmingham. On top of that, I am guaranteed work experience in the industry and employment after obtaining my degree. To top it off I am paid to complete the degree and work experience, whereas I would have to take a student load to pay for my degree otherwise.

The University course is well structured and organised as a whole. Around 300 students in my year take the university course. The Vodafone programme is relatively new, with me being in the second year. However, my first 10 week placement went extremely smoothly and I am contacted frequently with updates.

I am contacted monthly with updates of what is happening within the company. I attend tripartite meetings with representatives from the company and the University to ensure I am on track with the course. I am contacted via email whenever any action is needed on on my part. if I need any specific support we I can contact my BPOC directly.

The University provides support 24/7. There are several feedback and support channels I can contact if I require it. I can email lecturers directly or ask on Microsoft Teams where a lecturer or TA can assist me. The degree is the same as the standard Computer Science Bsc degree so I am given frequent lectures on course content.

My placement role options are Computer Science aligned so any industry knowledge gained is valuable. For example, Object Oriented programming which I learned by using Java - I used this heavily in my role as Network Analytics Specialist as Python is similarly an Object Oriented language. i have also learned about concepts like unit testing which I am likely to use in future roles.

The university has many societies to join. Before lockdown I was part of the computer science 5 a side football team, playing football once a week. I was also part of the computer science society who hold a lot of computer science related events. There are many other societies such as game dev, racing, etc.

Yes

I would absolutely recommend this course to a friend! For anyone who is interested in doing Computer Science at university, this course is great because it gives us work experience in the industry with a fantastic company and at a great university. In terms of working for Vodafone, I have been treated very well and can clearly see that my colleagues all enjoy working at Vodafone too.

Try to see if you fit in with the 'Spirit of Vodafone'. If you align with Vodafone's spirit of earning customer loyalty, creating the future, experimenting and learning fast, and acting as part of a collective, then I would say Vodafone is exactly the type of company you should be working for.