Graduate Data Scientist Review
at Newcastle Building Society
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
Using coding to gather relevant data sets, then analysing these to solve problems and build predictive models. These models are documented and kept up to date, they are written into reports as well as presented to senior staff members. There is a good range of real world projects. Semi-responsible for a full model.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the programme, the university course is well structured and balanced well around my working week. My employers give me a day out once a week to attend university and complete assignments. I can see things from my course becoming useful in the work place. I do wish there was a little more time to complete university things though.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned new coding languages which have been helpful and I can see being helpful in the future.
In terms of development yes lots, my analytical skills have vastly improved. My report and documentation write up skills have also improved a lot. People management skills have also improved a lot.
In terms of development yes lots, my analytical skills have vastly improved. My report and documentation write up skills have also improved a lot. People management skills have also improved a lot.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Quite well structured, I have one day off a week to complete university work and attend lectures, I do wish this were slightly longer as its sometimes difficult to complete all the work on that one day. Its a shame there aren't breaks in the university schedule as it feels quite intense sometimes.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lots of support, it is understood that I have a four day working week and this is accommodated for. I am able to use work place data and topics for essays and assignments, which then may feed back into the business. Given plenty of ideas for capstone and portfolio projects.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Not as much as I would like. The university is split into two parts, one which handles the content and another which handles the apprenticeship side. The content side is good, we have good lecturers and good modules. However the apprenticeship side could definitely be better, skills coaches have been a bit of an issue, never really felt listened to when we brought complaints forward.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It has given me plenty of ideas of things to introduce to my work. Some aspects aren't as relevant but interesting to learn about anyway. It has really helped with the non technical side of the role, in terms of project management and leadership aspects. The technical skill development has also been helpful.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
The early talent group is nice, it is a group of colleagues who have all recently joined the business as part of an apprenticeship or placement year. We have socials together and an awards night coming up. There are a few social sports groups such as couch to 5k etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Newcastle Building Society to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Really friendly people and a good work life balance, I feel quite valued and praised by colleagues. I enjoy the interesting topics and investigations within my role. I think pay could be slightly better however I am an apprentice so this may be why its below industry level at the moment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?
Not to worry too much about the assessment centre and application stages, they're nice people and the assessment centre is not as rough as some others they're really just trying to know the type of person you are so be honest and friendly. Its okay to be nervous but try to convert that into energy.
