Technical Consultant Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
3.2/5
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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
I am a data scientist/developer working as a consultant to UK public sector, specifically UK Defence. I work in experimentation/innovation on a research and development programme with the intent of accelerating our technical capability. Day-to-day i now lead a team of apprentices in researching and testing new technologies with the intent of creating proof-of-concepts.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Doing a degree apprenticeship has been hard work (working a full time real-world job that impacts clients while also studying for a degree) but I wouldn't have wanted to take any other route. the learning I have received and support in the working experience has been unmatched and I would choose it again in a heartbeat!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I joined IBM with absolutely no technical background and have gained so much knowledge and experience over the past 3.5 years of my apprenticeship. I am now the technical lead on my project working directly under the chief architect leading 4 grads/apprentices. I have learnt 2 programming languages and have deepened my expertise in data science (my degree specialism) during this time.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
I was the first cohort to go through a degree apprenticeship with my training provider. therefore, the initial experience felt a little disorganised as there were quite a few teething issues. however, they were really susceptible to feedback and made significant improvements based on this which has really helped later cohorts!
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received a signficant amount of support from my employer, I think it is helped by my proactiveness but anytime I've asked for help I have always gotten it. My immediate team has given me opportunities to learn and grow technically that I don't believe any other organisation would have given me due to my lack of initial technical knowledge. I am incredibly grateful for this. The wider employer/organisation has also really supported me in eminence - putting me forward for awards and similar opportunities!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
I received less support from my training provider than my employer when working towards my degree. I did not feel completely engaged with my training provider, especially my academic supervisor during my final synoptic project time. Communication was not great between the training provider and us. However, this has all been fed back to them and they have taken significant steps to improve this for future cohorts.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My degree was very good at affirming the learning I had received on my day job. It was particularly helpful in my final year when I was able to specialise into data science as this had a direct impact on my role and enabled me to have an active part in project bids as I could apply my university learning to real-world scenarios.
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
One of the biggest commendations I can give IBM is for their early professional culture. There is so much to get involved in outside of work - charity events, networking, learning sessions, inspiring talks just to name some!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
IBM is the best place I could have ever chosen to start out my career in technology. The opportunities, learning and network I have gained from working here are unparalled. I don't believe any other company would have taken an absolutely non-technical background and nurtured them to grow into a fully competent technical professional they way IBM have done for me. The patience and grace I have received during the start of my learning journey has accelerated my career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be a wild duck! Skills can be taught but ambition, creativity, and curiosity cannot! These traits are hugely valued and if you can emphasise this in your application it will give you a strong starting foundation. Get involved in as much relevant extra-curricular activities as you can. Be and demonstrate that you are proactive!
