Degree Apprentice Review

I am a data analyst who processes financial data within the audit sector and help to put it into a programme which can be used by auditors to help perform the audit. I also work directly in audit using the same programmes as a digital apprentice helping to complete the digital aspects of the audit

The biggest skill I’ve learnt is how to use altered which is a data preparation programme which enables us to perform our data analytics tools. Furthermore I have learnt many new skills by attaining badges which has been through using programmes such as power BI. I also have basic audit knowledge

I enjoy the data analytics programme aspect very greatly as this is what I expected I would be undertaking when starting the degree apprenticeship and this has allowed me to pick up many soft and hard skills beneficial to me as a digital apprentice. However I don’t enjoy the audit side as much as I didn’t sign up to be an auditor/ accountant and don’t possess the financial knowledge needed especially at a higher level now I’m three years into my programme

The programme is quite structured with the university study days and knowing where and to what clients you’ll be booked too. You know this well in advance. One thing however that is isn’t very clear is now I am approaching the end of my apprenticeship I have still to be told about what is happening at the end and what roles are available for us and the timeline and other factors.

I receive a lot of support from my employer with regards to study days and queries towards the apprenticeship provider and with regards to work. However this is dependant on a project by project basis as you always work with different people so everyone’s experience will be different to others

We receive a lot of support from our provider as we have a dedicated skills coach who we can raise queries too as well as contacting module leaders directly. One area which has improved a lot this year is the work based portfolio section which we didn’t receive any clear guidance previously however this still could be improved further with workshops held to provide students a clearer understanding

The qualification helps provide more soft skills than hard skills which I use in the workplace as it is often knowledge which cannot be directly applied into the role I am in. However saying this I have also learnt data analytics skills such as SQL and R from university which helps.

There are a lot of activists and EY has a network for almost anything and everything. This has been made harder by COVID 19 however there are still many virtual sessions held which can be joined and this is one thing that EY is really good at creating and maintaining

Yes

Gives you an amazing platform to build your career allowing you to gain many soft and hard skills and puts you miles ahead of any university graduate. This is all while you still attain a degree and get paid which is a win win scenario. If you have the dedication than you can achieve great things at EY

Be honest in your application as you need to make sure you are a right fit for EY as much as they are a right fit for you , also read things carefully and take time with your application and don’t rush and make the application generic. Ask a lot of questions