Technology Degree Apprentice Review

During the first two and fourth year of the degree apprenticeship, I attend university - studying a computer science degree. In the third year, I work at PwC full time and you are able to work in one of many teams across the business. You also get to do two 10 week placements over the summer. I work in the technology department, so spend a lot of my time programming or documenting work, as well as attending meetings (usually virtual).

Yes, I have learnt a lot about how a business works in general. In particular, I've learnt about the process a product takes and built upon practices I've learnt theoretically at university, such as agile working and the development process of a piece of code - from planning to development to testing.

I really enjoy my programme and believe it is a great fit for anybody who has any interest in maths or computer science, as well as if you are interested in business or accounting in general. I think having the multiple placements means you get to experience many areas of the business and doesn't force you into one area. There is flexibility over what area you are working in, and you are encouraged to be open about what you are enjoying or not.

I'd say the programme is relatively well organised and structured. The actual structure, such as when you do the placements, I think is perfect. It could be better organised by letting us know more in advance when things are happening, such as what office we will be based at during a placement (usually home office or in London) - but this is mainly due to demands of the business and not down to the recruitment team.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. There are many schemes within PwC to benefit us, such as the Deal and flexible working hours. We are also given a career coach and multiple buddies - such as one in our office and one in our team. PwC are careful to ensure we are not being overworked and also offer support when we're at university and not at placement.

The University of Leeds is generally very good and I enjoy the majority of the courses. However, a couple of the individual lecturers are not supportive and seem to cause unnecessary stress which the university hasn't done very much about - despite complaints from the students. However, the majority of the staff are very nice.

The qualification definitely helps, as it teaches the theory of Computer Science and valuable practical skills. These have really helped me in my job at PwC as I had a lot of technical background knowledge before I began. In turn, working at PwC and putting some of the theory into practice has also improved my knowledge of Computer Science as a whole.

Yes, there are extra-curricular activities at work (as well as obviously many societies at the university which you can be a part of!) At work itself, there are sports teams and other activities, as well as social events. The University of Leeds has over 300 societies you can be a part of.

Yes

I would definitely recommend PwC to a friend. The environment is fairly relaxed and enjoyable, particularly as it is such a big and famous firm. The degree apprenticeship in particular really gives you an advantage when it comes to a career in such a company, since you gain both a degree as well as lots of real-world experience and enables you to make important connections early on.

I think it's best to learn lots about the firm and what makes you a particularly good fit for it. For the degree apprenticeship in particular, learn about the areas of technology PwC use and which you find the most interesting, as well as know what other areas of technology interest you in general.