Data Science Degree Apprentice Review

I am a data science apprenticeship based in small data team within a larger laboratory science department. My role is varied by my main tasks are assisting lab science with data analysis, building models to predict experiment results and assisting with data engineering and development of data pipelines. I also spend time cleaning data and creating dashboards to allow lab scientists to easily visual their data

I already had some basic python, R and statistics knowledge. These skills have been greatly developed on the program. I have also learned SQL, machine learning and modelling techniques and have received training on specialist analytical software. I have had lots of training opportunities in things such as multivariate data analysis, programming and machine learning. I also have been given lots of opportunities to learn more about the science that my department does

I have really enjoyed the experience so far. The first few months were a bit dull and most of my time was spent training and performing mandatory e-learning assignments. But since becoming fully embedded my time has been really good, rewarding and fulfilling. Everyone has been extremely supportive and willing to help me whenever I need it.

The university programme is very well structured. I have regular university days (which average to one day a week) with lectures and practical tasks. I am given university days ‘off’ work in order to attend university and focus on my studies. We have set assignments for each module (one or two per term)

I have received a lot of support from my employer. I have weekly meetings with my line manager and monthly meetings with the head of my department. Everyone in my department is extremely supportive and willing to spend lots of time helping me and explaining things to me. My department is also extremely flexible when it comes to my studies - and allow me to take off time when I have assignment deadlines

I have not had much support from my training provider - but I have not reached out for more support either. The university programme is well structured and deadlines are clear. I would like to have more support in regards to building my portfolio and I have seeker this but not received it

I have only completed 2 modules so far. The first considered of things that I mostly already knew but it was relevant to my role. The second module does not relate to my role at all and truthfully I consider it a waste of time as I can’t envision a situation where I would need to use the skills or knowledge learned in that module

I have only been at the company since the pandemic so extra-curricular activities have been limited. In normal times there are many social activities within my team, department and for apprentices I have still had opportunities for virtual activities - for apprenticeships many virtual socials, networking events and career improvement ‘trainings’ Within my department we have had virtual quizzes and lunches. I have also had the opportunity to attend a wide variety of talks ranging from science to data to business skills, and to virtually attend some conferences

Yes

GSK is a lovely company to work for. It is extremely friendly, supportive and does some amazing research. The company has a lot of apprentices and they are well supported and provided with lots of opportunities and it is nice to work somewhere with lots of people who are your age Apprentices are also treated as full members of the team, we work on important projects and our contributions are taken seriously. I have learned far more than I would have at university and have found the experience far more rewarding

Look at the GSK values and connect your interview answers to them. For example if you are asked about your hobbies show how your hobbies relate to the values If asked practical questions then clearly walk through your workings/thought process. They want to see how you think, not just your knowledge And be enthusiastic about both the company and the area in which your applying - they are looking for people who want to work at GSK specifically