Data Science Degree Apprentice Review

My role as a Data Science Degree Apprentice involves a wide variety of activities and tasks along with working on very diverse projects. My day generally involves a blend of project meetings and data science specific work.

Over the last year, I have learnt and developed a variety of new technical and soft skills. This includes programming skills relevant to Data Science such as Python as well as machine learning and deep learning knowledge. I have also developed my communication and presentation skills.

I have enjoyed the data science programme to a large extent. It has helped to accelerate my skill development due to working with and receiving support from very talented and experienced people within the company. The programme has exceeded my expectations.

As an apprentice, I am treated the same as any other employee and have the ability to take on the same responsibilities. Along with this, there is always support available if and when I need it. I have weekly calls with both my line manager and mentor where I can discuss any impediments and update them on my work.

As I mentioned before, I have weekly calls with my line manager and mentor where I can always discuss and issues/concerns. They are always happy to offer their support.

At my university we are assigned a course tutor to ask and receive support from. Lecturers are happy to offer their support if we are facing any difficulty with the course itself.

So far in my university course, there has been a disconnect between the degree modules and my actual job role as thus far there has only been one university module specific to data science. However the second year syllabus appears to have more relevancy.

Due to the pandemic, everyone is currently working virtually therefore this makes it difficult for many extra-curricular activities to take place. However, we have had the option to attend virtual events. There are also many virtual seminars that run throughout each week.

Yes

Roche is a fantastic place to work. The company culture and people are very supportive, friendly and inclusive. Even as an apprentice, I have been given the opportunity and responsibility to work on large complex projects which has helped to accelerate my learning massively.

I think it is important to "stand out" as a candidate and have something impressive about yourself that can help to differentiate you. This could be your skills or it could be experience doing something relevant to the role.