Associate Review

On a degree apprenticeship which includes summer placements and a year in industry, otherwise I am at University regularly throughout. The role is Data Analysis, and on a day to day basis I help the firm drive insight into their internal data and processes to better understand demographics and ways of working

Learnt a significant amount of technical knowledge, primarily through computer applications and coding languages. Furthermore I have gained knowledge in more informal skills, such as presentation and working with different clients to get solutions to tasks. Throughout University I have also gained a significant amount of knowledge through my computer science degree

I enjoyed my programme significantly, the three year university degree provided me with a wealth of knowledge and gave me challenges to overcome on a day to day basis. Placements have also been very enjoyable allowing me to apply my skill and knowledge to real world scenarios that arise in the line of work.

The organisation of the programme is fairly well structured. Throughout the process there have been hiccups and challenges to overcome, particularly with communication from the leads at the time. However we are the first cohort for this degree apprenticeship and therefore there is always likely to be teething issues and is not always going to run smoothly

The employer has provided significant support during placements and the year in industry. During University terms there is a more hands off approach, with contact being made only semi-regularly, however this ideal because it allows us to fully focus on our degree and provides a nice separation between the two

The University itself provides all the support you would naturally expect from a typical degree. There were a few issues, particularly during the pandemic however I believe this was only natural, and to be expected given the huge upheaval required to promote remote learning. The staff at the University always supported when needed.

My degree in Computer Science provides significant support to my role, as it provides me with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive innovation and technology within my team. I am able to support other colleagues and act as a subject matter expert when others from a less technical background require support.

Regular social events are organised within my team and this provides a good opportunity to get to know each other on a more casual basis. There are not any sports teams to note that I have found yet, however given I have only been here in a temporary basis so far I have not had to opportunity to really look.

Yes

The culture of the firm is one that I really agree with and their ways of working always tend to support the wellbeing of staff members. I have developed a significant amount of skills and knowledge, without impacting my other studies. All members of staff provide a friendly atmosphere that allows me to feel comfortable instantly.

The interview process for this degree apprenticeship that I went through varies significantly to the process now (given we were the first cohort things have changed significantly) so I cannot really comment from that aspect of it. However in a more general sense I would just suggest that you research the company significantly before so you can reference areas of interest and bring up case studies when it fits