Application Development Associate Review

I worked on a client site Tuesday to Friday as a release manager and attended university on Mondays. Most days I attended several meetings with various client teams. I was responsible for understanding technical dependencies between projects and applications, then producing delivery plans that considered these dependencies. I had to explain to the client why the delivery of each project deliverable was planned in a certain way and communicate with an offshore design, development and test team to ensure the projects were delivered.

I have learnt many new skills since starting the apprenticeship such as Qlik Development, Python Machine Learning, Java, HTML, SQL, Azure fundamentals and attended Accentures DevOps academy. At university I completed a synoptic project that allowed me to develop my communication, research, presentation and data analytics skills. At work I have learnt how to manage stakeholder expectations, lead onshore and offshore teams, collaborate with clients and apply design thinking skills to day to day activities.

I enjoyed the whole apprenticeship programme and am looking forward to graduating next week with a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions, debt free. I found the Accenture support network fantastic and I liked 90% of the modules I studied at university, with big data analytics being my favorite. What I enjoyed the most was the responsibility that Accenture gives their apprentices and the way that individuals are accountable for their own career paths and training.

I think the Accenture apprenticeship programme is very well structured. Apprentices work 4 days a week and go to university 1 day a week. Throughout the year there are 2 week block modules, where apprentices only attend university and do not go to work. In addition to the time we spend at university, we have an allocation of study hours that we are allowed to take to prepare for exams or complete coursework. There are lots of apprentice events so that apprentices can build their networks.

We receive great support from our employer. All Accenture employees have a career counsellor who is someone that will help you find a role and progress. In addition to this, all apprentices have dedicated apprentice ambassadors who support them in finding roles and resolving any issues with our training provider. We have regular meetings with our training provider and apprentice ambassadors to ensure we are making expected progress and to address any concerns we might have.

We receive a lot of support from our training provider. Most modules have a different module leader and you are able to ask them for support at any time face to face, via email or MS Teams chat. Since we are apprentices, our coursework is often slightly different to the regular full time university students so our lecturers always take the time to explain how our requirements are slightly different and discuss what we need to do to acheive them.

I feel like the modules studied at university provided me with the fundamental knowledge I needed to succeed in my role. For example in the first year, we learnt about information systems and how to use project management tools. Similarly I feel that the role I have at work helps me to perform better at university, because I have learnt skills whilst working that I was able to transfer to my university coursework and final project.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at Accenture. There is a very active pride network that has hosted several events, even virtually during the COVID-19 lockdown. Most client accounts have a team that is dedicated to planning social networking events and health and well-being activities for the people working on that account. There is also a yearly summer and winter party for apprentices and technology analysts, plus regular townhalls and community events

Yes

I would recommend Accenture to a friend because I have been given so many great opportunities since joining the apprenticeship. There are fantastic regular events, excellent travel opportunities and the support network is great. The apprenticeship is well structured and apprentices are able to try out different roles and develop versatile skills. I love how much responsibility apprentices are given, despite still being new to the organisation. It is nice to feel like you are really part of a team

I think its really important to research the type of work Accenture that do before you apply for a role, so you can get a better understanding of whether it is something you are going to enjoy and be passionate about. Accenture strongly believes in being 'truly human', which means bringing your true self to work everyday, so just be honest in your application/ interview and don't be shy in showing your love for Tech.