Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at KPMG
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Daily stand-ups - saying what we did yesterday and what we're planning to do today. As an apprentice, I'm doing a lot of online learning for programming languages and frameworks. I'm also assigned tickets to work on a project. I have meetings with others in my team regarding issues or updates.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really really enjoy my programme: the theory and modules covered in university go well with what I'm learning at work. I'm also given a lot of freedom and responsibility regarding when I work just as long as the work is completed. I'm also given a lot of support by other who have more experience and even other apprentices.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt more programming languages such as Javascript, React, Object Oriented Programming concepts and other programming modules such as Procedural Programming, Information Systems Analysis and even more literate modules which requires the use of research and analysing literature. I have also developed existing skills such as learning online - I've done this before but not to this extent.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is well structured as I know what I need to be doing but also questions are always encouraged. I do 2 days uni and 3 days work. Once the semester is over, I do 5 days of work. There are multiple people I can reach out to regarding any questions or problems with my work - I have a buddy, tech buddy, team lead and performance manager.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support - I have a buddy, tech buddy, team lead and performance manager which are all assigned specifically to me and I can ask any of them questions. For instance, I can go to my tech buddy for questions regarding an issue I'm facing with my code and I can also go to my performance manager for anything concerning wellbeing.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training providers and module lecturers work closely with people from my team and even attend presentations required for my module. They give well-tailored feedback. I can always reach out to either a member from my firm to get information regarding uni matters as well as the training provider specifically.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
They go really well together and sometimes even mandatory to even understand what I'm doing at work. For example, I was learning about object oriented programming for one of my modules and when I was doing React.js programming, there are quite a lot of concepts related which help me understand how React.js works.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
As of now, due to pandemic restrictions, there are not many outdoor events available however, we do regularly have social online events such as coffee chats, roulette chats where you get to meet different people, yoga and gym sessions, mental well-being and health challenges. There are a lot of events available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a very professional firm, where quality is required in all aspects; when it comes to the well-being of their employees, there is nothing more important; the support provided is great, the learning experience is very hands on - I'm working on a project in my first year. Finally, KPMG always wants to improve and strive to make the experience better for their employees which was visible when they came to the decision to adopt a hybrid working model.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
Gather experience working and doing activities which will show that you have a genuine interest in the field as well as a large drive to learn. When it comes to interviews, be confident and ask questions when you can, prepare the material well and work on your presentation skills. Show that you can think outside of the box.
