Application Development New Associate Review

I am in an Application Support role for two applications that our client uses. The role focuses on Supporting the applications by monitoring & maintaining services, servers, and software on a daily basis. A lot of our work revolves around Incident Handling, Problem Record, Change Records and General Application maintenance and monitoring processes.

I have learned a lot of new skills from University, some of the existing skills I have are developed further by the academic side of the Apprenticeship. In my role, I have learned a lot about the applications that I support but with the role being focused on Service Desk/General User support and Application Maintenance I haven't had an opportunity to further develop skills and learn new skills that would help me drive my career.

I find that the Apprenticeship program is one of the best decisions that I have made after leaving school. It offers the work experience that you don't get through University with the educational degree alongside it that is included in the Apprenticeship programme. I am happy with the arrangements for the programme as well where we get one day to go to University for the degree.

Usually, I feel a valuable asset to the team and Accenture. The way I am included in the workplace makes me feel welcomed and part of something that can help not only myself but others succeed. On one or two one-off occasions I have felt disheartened and unvalued, when talking to senior members of staff they appear to ignore what I am saying to them even though I was engaging with them one to one.

I believe the programme is organized but has the flexibility to allow people to change the programme slightly to fit their job role or other commitments. Having a dedicated day for attending our place of study makes it easier for planning ahead and the structure throughout the three years helps space out the work by easing you into the next year where the complexity increases gradually.

The University support is dependant on the lecturer that we have as there have been lecturers who have been willing to support us at nearly any opportunity, sometimes lecturers are very hard to contact and can sometimes be unhelpful when we require support. Sometimes when we have our regular work & university work clashing at the same time we sometimes don't get the relevant support or time to assist us through busy times.

If I require the support from my employer they are willing to help assist me by providing resources/help that can assist me with all aspects of work and any issues that I may have. I don't automatically get the support from my employer as they believe I am okay unless I speak up about it. Sometimes, if there was dedicated time to chat about any support needs then it may benefit people who aren't as confident/vocal.

For my age range, I feel like the salary that I am currently on is better than someone my age should expect. However, as we are treat indifferently to colleagues who work the same hours as us on a higher wage, I believe the wage is correct considering our University fees are being paid for as well.

Accenture does offer different events & activities outside of work hours that can accommodate most people. Sometimes the selection of opportunities/activities outside of work can be limited but overall there is a variety of activities either social or voluntary that allows employees to network and team build in different ways.

Yes

Accenture has a unique way of introducing/integrating people together. No matter what level, age, ethnicity, ability or disability you have, Accenture provides a great working environment like no other. As long as the person has an interest in IT and has a good work attitude towards the challenges that an Apprentice or Graduate. Then I would happily recommend Accenture as the opportunities within the company are endless.

I would advise others to consider what they are going to put on their CV's, to begin with. Ensuring that important activities, events etc. are recorded, as these help stand out from the crowd. These pieces of information let Accenture know that you aren't following the crowd, instead, you are unique and can provide a certain type of attitude to work/activities that they want.