Graduate Data Scientist Review

My role varies day by day as the business needs change. The main aspect of my role revolves around carrying out financial modelling and analysis to help guide change in the business. Another portion of my role is handling the automated decisioning system used to process customers. This involves implementing new propositions into this system, making sure they are running efficiently and working with other teams to ensure we are meeting their needs.

Since starting my role in September, I became proficient at using SQL to query our databases, which is needed to find the data I need to carry out the analysis for my role. I have also learnt the programming language R through university which I use sometimes in the workplace to carry out more advanced pieces of analysis. Other than those technical skills I have also developed my soft skills, which involves presenting to and working with various other members of the organisation across all skill levels.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme as it was exactly the type of role I wanted to go into after university. I feel I have the right mix of carrying out technical work as in programming/analysis and professional work where I attend meetings and give my opinions on how the business operates.

The learning side of the apprenticeship is managed by Newcastle University. This programme has been running for several years now and is therefore perfectly shaped to ensure that the learning and assignments can be managed when given 20% of the off the job training. The content of the programme has so far been extremely useful in developing my technical and professional skills.

My employer is extremely supportive of my apprenticeship. As this is a graduate role, I joined the apprenticeship straight from university. This meant I was able to ease both into my role and the learning side of the apprenticeship. I am given a full day off a week to complete my work by my manager. The early talent team also offer monthly catch ups with the other graduates/apprentices where we are able to identify problems being faced, which they will do their best to fix.

Newcastle University are the training provider for my apprenticeship. For most modules, there are weekly lectures to either attend online or in person (once a month) and tutorials also. These aide greatly in the development of my technical skills as any challenges being faced can quickly be fixed. The DPD and apprenticeship team do a fantastic job of listening to the apprentices and understand where there may be time constraints or other challenges faced and help to find a fix.

The teaching received has helped me greatly even after 6 months. The skills I learn may not always be relevant to what I do at work but I have found that I have always been able to apply the principles to my job. The soft skill modules have been particularly useful such as teaching of good leadership and proper project management.

Through the early talent programme, I have had plenty of opportunity to attend both social and networking events. At the start of my employment, there was a large freshers month for all those joining the ET programme where we were able to get to know each other. I have also had ample opportunities to attend careers fairs with the ET to advertise roles at NBS and also visits to schools. There is the opportunity in the future for me to attend professional networking events which relate to the work I carry out on a day-to-day basis.

Yes

Newcastle Building Society do everything they can to invest in you and your development as an apprenticeship. They are a fantastic employer with a great ethos, as it helps to work for a mutual since you know that you are helping people in the region you work for. Plus, the pay is very competitive!

Just be yourself! The initial application is just a CV and cover letter (which you should make sure to put some of your personality into). If successful, the next stage is the assessment centre, which is extremely calm compared to others which I attended while searching for a role. The ET team do everything they can to make you comfortable and ensure you are showing your best self.