Data Scientist Review

I get to work on projects that are focused in delivering a change to our customers and front line colleagues. My work requires using existing data to understand an existing problem, see how a potential solution may impact the customers/colleagues by analyzing and adapting other team members' input. Also, I dedicate minimum 20% of my working hours to learning.

I started applying my love for numbers and logical reasoning by learning to code, with a special focus on SQL, SAS and Python. I started using a step by step logical approach to my tasks at work. Also, I have improved my knowledge of Excel and how to present any of my findings/insights.

I enjoy the program more than I anticipated. Joining the cohort, I had a lot of questions that were not clearly answered and I was not too sure what I was committing to. However, once I joined the team, all the positives (ie. team culture, leadership involvement, the other apprentices, being given responsibilities from the start, etc) outweighed my concerns.

I believe that my program could be a little more organized. In particular, the communication from the education provider to the apprentice/company seems to be limited. Most of the time, the admin work is duplicated. One example would be that we have to log of the "off the job training" hours on both the company system and the university system. If this was combined, this time could be used to learn/work on projects. Also, it would have been ideal to have a better understanding of what were the expectations during my first year in terms of each work and university.

My employer is very supportive. They understand the challenges we may face as apprentices and are ready to listen to our concerns. When something is raised, we can expect an answer/solution to follow shortly without the need to chase. The biggest support is that they allow us to take our time in balancing the university tasks and work tasks.

There could be more support from my training provider. The biggest challenge so far has been balancing the expectations from the institution whilst on work projects. Although my company enables me to complete the university work as per my needs, I think it would be easier if the university adapted the pace to teach an apprentice and not with the expectation of a full time undergraduate.

Although some parts are challenging, I think the technical skills are learnt through practice. My training provider is allowing me to tackle my work problems in a way that are more focused and organized. By doing coursework and tests, I am able to apply what I learnt and practice more. However, it would be convenient if the learning modules were synced with the work projects.

In my work place, I am treated as an equal member of the team and not as the new apprentice. This gives me the opportunity to attend networking events, be a part of off-site team socials, join charity work, etc. All this, not only increase the team culture but allow to develop interpersonal skills. It would be nice if there were more regular social/sport activities.

Yes

I have worked in 2 completely distinct roles within the company, but I can see how the values and mindset are followed across the company. This creates a sense of unity. Also, working culture is very important to me. I have created some of long lasting relationships both professionally and personally here. I have developed as a person and I have always been given a platform to speak up my mind.

Be yourself. It is very easy to try and be someone else in order to get a job, but it is very important that your values align with the company's. This ensures you will enjoy your role and not face difficulties when you handle challenges. Also, try to be open minded about any opportunity. Often it may seem that you require all the answers to make a decision, but sometimes you have to try and give yourself a chance to step out of your comfort zone! Good luck :)