Applications Consultant Review

My role involves primarily Project Officer related tasks, such as chasing for risks and issues. However I do also shadow my technical lead and do my own training in order to enhance my technical ability. I speak often to the client and I'm involved in many external and internal meetings. I have a lot of responsibility but people recognize my lack of experience and give me tasks accordingly.

I have learnt many new skills such as coding SQL, Java and how to use command lines. My interpersonal skills have developed as I have learned to communicate in a business environment. My technical skills are still on the rise with a main focus on finding technical solutions to business problems. For example, I have automated many simple tasks.

I enjoy being at a client site, the expenses policy and interacting with my company. However, having university alongside does become a problem as it makes my free time evaporate. It is hard to balance work, learning and life in general. A strict schedule must be put in place if you are to survive.

I do feel valued by Capgemini as they are always working to improve my time as an employee. My manager keeps in frequent contact, giving me feedback and advice regularly. However, I often have to reach out to gain the most recognition, but this is to be expected. By doing more public work such as presenting you gain more recognition.

The structure is not well balanced, as there is a disconnect between university life and work life. They seem two separate entities. However mentoring and support meetings, as well as general work structure is very well organised. Especially on a project, the team is well kept and in good communication with each other.

Not much support, as there isn't much communication. I do not enjoy university as there is too much emphasis on grades than the actual learning. Much of what I learn is not relevant to my work at all. I believe this is not Capgemini's fault however. Support is available though if you ask for it specifically.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, we have an excellent HR team and my manager is on the same project as me so he supports me exceptionally well. We have many events where we can talk to Vice Presidents and other senior staff if we have any problems whatsoever regarding work, balance etc.

My salary is modest and is below the average for these type of apprentices I've heard. I am satisfied with my salary and the travel costs are covered completely. My location is not good as the base location is over ten miles away and my client site is over sixty miles, which can be three hours with traffic, to get to.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work to attend company events and activities. We are encouraged to get involved in events such as doing school visits for employee days, helping with charity, sports such as rugby and football. When I am not working I do training for the job position I want to achieve.

Yes

I believe Capgemini gives you lots of opportunity to get up the employee ladder and progress in life. No debts from university, good expenses policy and other perks help sell Capgemini as a worthy option after finishing sixth form or if you want to quit your current university course. I would not recommend it to people who do not like to travel as travelling is most of the job.

Be prepared before joining. Working at Capgemini is nothing like retail work or other normal work experience that most students have. Ask a manager or your interviewer to explain everything you don't understand. There are no silly questions whatsoever. Be prepared to travel a lot and make sure you are comfortable talking to people in a business-like manner.