Software Engineer Review

As a software engineer apprentice at KPMG, I help build secure, scaleable and reliable products for clients using technology and programming skills we learn at university. Day-to-day, this year I have been attending university 2 days a week (Monday and Tuesday) and then been in the office Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On the days I am at university, I attend lectures and seminars and on the days when I am in the office I am treated like a regular employee, attending meetings, working on projects for clients.

I come from a background of no experience in computer science or programming so coming into this apprenticeship was quite scary as I didn't want to feel left behind, but I was put at ease as I was not the only one having little to no experience. I have learnt so much from every module we have been taught from semester 1 & 2 from programming and technology skills to presentation and academic writing skills. I have also been able to apply these skills in the workplace too.

I feel as if technology is progressing rapidly and has done these past few years and I am very happy to be within this field and learning all about new technologies and seeing what will progress in the future. I enjoy having the work split as on the days of university, you are treated like a full time student and when you are at work you are treated like a KPMG employee.

The program is well structured in terms of the way we are going to achieve our degree. The 5 years is well organised and we know all the modules we are going to be studying and working towards. In terms of the actual modules, it is a lot different to being at college or sixth form so it is a big jump and you teach yourself to become more independent which I feel as if it is a good thing as it challenges you but you have support from not just KPMG but the other apprentices and students around you.

We each get assigned a buddy as a form of contact if we want to ask, I suppose, more informal questions. I find the scheme very helpful and it is very useful to get advice if I am stuck with anything at university or within the workplace as my buddy would have gone through the same thing. We also have regular meetings with our performance managers to ensure we are meeting our goals and we are always advised to be open and if we have any struggles, help will be provided where possible.

We have an academic advisor who is a point of contact when it comes to any university struggles and we always keep in contact which is very helpful. We have review meetings also which allows us to see how we have been applying our module aims to the workplace - we are supposed to have them around 3 times a year but will only have one this year, however I don't feel at a disadvantage that we have not had the 3 because my advisor is always checking in on us and making sure everything is running well.

I am able to apply skills that I have learnt and developed from university into the workplace which has made me perform better and become more confident within my role. I enjoy having a mix of both technology and IT based modules as well as more business focussed modules as it not only allows me to learn new technology based skills (such as coding) but it also allows for my soft skills (such as presenting) to be developed. Both are important within my role therefore I can ensure that I use these skills to aid in my role.

Yes, there are lots of different networks that you can join within the company such as, sport teams, and the LGBTQ network. Within my team we have monthly socials too which involve some kind of fun activity such as indoor golf or indoor table tennis, they get organised by the team so it is fun choosing what we are going to do for that month! We are able to take part in a lot of volunteering work too. I personally have volunteered in many apprenticeship events, and sharing my experience on the program so far, this has also helped develop my presentation skills.

Yes

KPMG is an inclusive, diverse and fun company to work for. I have learnt so much in just the 8 months I have been here and have made so many new friends and had lots of opportunities that I might not have had going a different route to a degree apprenticeship. I enjoy coming to work and studying and applying what I am learning into the workplace. I have met some amazing people on my team and everyone wants you to be the best you can by all working together.

Showcase yourself, during any online or interview question show your passion. Don't worry if you don't come from a technology background just show that you are determined to learn and express why this is the industry that you want to succeed in. If possible pick a hobby/skill/experience that you have and relate it to what you can in response to a question. It is important to showcase yourself as a person and not just grades that you have.