Data Scientist Review

My role mainly consists of my carrying out data engineering activities on a day to day basis. I work mainly in SQL server to do this and have daily catch up meetings with my team to assess progress. 20% of my contract is dedicated to Uni so I have to make sure I am also keeping up to date with that.

Prior to my data science role I was a data analyst for 2 years. Most of the skills where transferable so rather than learning new things I have instead improved ones I already had. The first couple of years I didn't learn loads as it was just going over things I already knew from my previous role.

I enjoyed my programme. I haven't had that much of a chance to get any face to face time with people due to the fact my first 2 years where during covid. However the quality of the course was largely unaffected thanks to teams meetings, I also enjoy what I do which helps.

Again due to covid it was tricky at the beginning, however on the whole I'd say its well structured. The University semesters are consistently every couple of months and my day to day role hasn't fluctuated that much so its nice to have some kind of routine / structure.

The support from my employer has been non existent at times. My prior role I got more support so it was a shock going into a new role. Again my first two years where during covid, in this times I changed line manager 4 times so never really got used to anyone, this made it hard to ask for work / get any support. However throughout the past year I have had a new UK based line manager and I am working in a new time and I am getting more than enough support, it was just the first couple of years I struggled.

I have not been impressed with the support from my training provider. They are slow replying to emails and teams messages and the lecturers routinely change each semester. When I do get a response it is vague and a lot of the time unhelpful. However a few of the lecturers have been helpful, and my work based tutor has always been good.

I'm not sure if its just the nature of my role but I don't use most of what I learn from the training provider. The programmer is structured in a way that most of the things I do use in my role are in the final year of the programme so I have already been applying these anyway.

There are lots. Our team regularly has social events. There are also sports teams in work, although I have never been involved I am aware they exist. The office is structured in a way that you always sit next to someone and don't have a "seat" so you get chatting.

Yes

It has been a great company to work for. I have worked there for just under 5 years and have enjoyed it. The people are friendly and I have a good work life balance as they allow for remote working. As an apprentice I chat with the other apprentice regularly when I am in the office, it is good.

Be yourself, get out your comfort zone, remember its an apprenticeship so you are always learning, say yes to everything, learn how to use excel, take some courses online on SQL, learn on the job, take everything in, improve social skills, get organised, throw yourself in at the deep end.