Data Science Consultant Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analysis, Information Technology
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
I am a Data Scientist. My daily role involves technical work around machine learning using Python, exploratory data analysis, data visualisation, data acquisition + cleaning, and client communication.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
have supported both my personal and professional growth. The support system at IBM is exceptionally strong, with foundation managers, task managers, project managers, university managers, project buddies, and apprentice buddies all contributing to a positive experience.
The encouragement and guidance I’ve received have pushed me to step outside my comfort zone as an apprentice and strive to achieve my full potential. In just six months, I’ve already accomplished a great deal, which I attribute to the consistent support around me.
I’ve noticed significant growth in both my personal development and professional skills, and I truly appreciate every aspect of the programme so far. It has made my transition from high school into the corporate environment both smooth and enjoyable.
The encouragement and guidance I’ve received have pushed me to step outside my comfort zone as an apprentice and strive to achieve my full potential. In just six months, I’ve already accomplished a great deal, which I attribute to the consistent support around me.
I’ve noticed significant growth in both my personal development and professional skills, and I truly appreciate every aspect of the programme so far. It has made my transition from high school into the corporate environment both smooth and enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed a wide range of new skills and significantly strengthened existing ones during my time at IBM.
Over the past six months, I’ve built strong professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management by working in real project environments and collaborating with different stakeholders. I’ve also grown in confidence when presenting ideas, asking questions, and contributing to discussions, which has supported both my personal and professional development.
In addition, I’ve developed key data science and technical skills, including working with tools such as Python and SQL for data analysis, performing data cleaning and preprocessing, and creating visualisations to communicate insights effectively. I’ve also started to build an understanding of statistical analysis and how to apply data-driven thinking to real business problems. These hands-on experiences have allowed me to strengthen my analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities.
Overall, the programme has provided an excellent environment for skill development, and I feel I am continuously learning, being challenged, and progressing every day.
Over the past six months, I’ve built strong professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management by working in real project environments and collaborating with different stakeholders. I’ve also grown in confidence when presenting ideas, asking questions, and contributing to discussions, which has supported both my personal and professional development.
In addition, I’ve developed key data science and technical skills, including working with tools such as Python and SQL for data analysis, performing data cleaning and preprocessing, and creating visualisations to communicate insights effectively. I’ve also started to build an understanding of statistical analysis and how to apply data-driven thinking to real business problems. These hands-on experiences have allowed me to strengthen my analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities.
Overall, the programme has provided an excellent environment for skill development, and I feel I am continuously learning, being challenged, and progressing every day.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is extremely well organised and structured, and has exceeded my expectations.
From the outset, there has been a clear framework in place outlining what I should be working on, how my learning is progressing, and where to go for support. The combination of hands-on project work alongside structured learning ensures that I am able to apply what I learn in a practical setting, which has been incredibly valuable.
Communication across the different support roles—such as managers, buddies, and university coordinators—is consistent and effective, which helps everything run smoothly. Expectations are clearly set, and there are regular check-ins and touchpoints to track progress and provide guidance.
Overall, the structure of the programme creates a really supportive and organised environment that enables me to stay on track, feel confident in my development, and make the most of every opportunity provided.
From the outset, there has been a clear framework in place outlining what I should be working on, how my learning is progressing, and where to go for support. The combination of hands-on project work alongside structured learning ensures that I am able to apply what I learn in a practical setting, which has been incredibly valuable.
Communication across the different support roles—such as managers, buddies, and university coordinators—is consistent and effective, which helps everything run smoothly. Expectations are clearly set, and there are regular check-ins and touchpoints to track progress and provide guidance.
Overall, the structure of the programme creates a really supportive and organised environment that enables me to stay on track, feel confident in my development, and make the most of every opportunity provided.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive an exceptional level of support from my employer, and it has been a key factor in my development so far.
There is a strong and well-connected support network in place, including managers, project leads, university coordinators, and both project and apprentice buddies. Each of these roles plays an active part in providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement, ensuring that I always have someone to turn to for support.
Regular check-ins, constructive feedback, and open communication make it easy to stay aligned with expectations and continue progressing. I also feel encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and step outside of my comfort zone, knowing that I am supported every step of the way.
Overall, the level of support I receive is outstanding and creates a positive environment where I feel confident, motivated, and able to achieve my full potential.
There is a strong and well-connected support network in place, including managers, project leads, university coordinators, and both project and apprentice buddies. Each of these roles plays an active part in providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement, ensuring that I always have someone to turn to for support.
Regular check-ins, constructive feedback, and open communication make it easy to stay aligned with expectations and continue progressing. I also feel encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and step outside of my comfort zone, knowing that I am supported every step of the way.
Overall, the level of support I receive is outstanding and creates a positive environment where I feel confident, motivated, and able to achieve my full potential.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a high level of support from my training provider, Northeastern University, which has been instrumental in helping me progress towards my qualifications.
The lecturers and academic staff are knowledgeable, approachable, and responsive, providing clear guidance on assignments and course content. The structure of the learning is well organised, with useful resources and regular touchpoints that help keep me on track. When needed, support is readily available, and feedback is constructive and helps me improve.
While the overall experience has been very positive, there are occasional opportunities to enhance communication or provide additional clarity around certain expectations. However, this has not significantly impacted my progress.
Overall, I feel well supported in my academic journey, and the training provider plays a strong role in complementing my practical learning at IBM.
The lecturers and academic staff are knowledgeable, approachable, and responsive, providing clear guidance on assignments and course content. The structure of the learning is well organised, with useful resources and regular touchpoints that help keep me on track. When needed, support is readily available, and feedback is constructive and helps me improve.
While the overall experience has been very positive, there are occasional opportunities to enhance communication or provide additional clarity around certain expectations. However, this has not significantly impacted my progress.
Overall, I feel well supported in my academic journey, and the training provider plays a strong role in complementing my practical learning at IBM.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification through Northeastern University supports my performance in my role very well.
The course content is relevant and complements the work I do in my role, particularly in building my understanding of key concepts and strengthening my analytical and problem-solving skills. It provides a strong theoretical foundation that I can apply in real work scenarios, especially when approaching tasks that require structured thinking or data-driven decision-making.
Assignments and projects often encourage me to think critically and apply what I’ve learned, which helps reinforce my knowledge and improves my confidence in a professional setting. This has been particularly useful in developing both my technical and academic skillset alongside my day-to-day responsibilities.
While there are occasional areas where the content could be more closely aligned with specific aspects of my role, overall the qualification adds significant value and enhances my ability to perform effectively at work.
The course content is relevant and complements the work I do in my role, particularly in building my understanding of key concepts and strengthening my analytical and problem-solving skills. It provides a strong theoretical foundation that I can apply in real work scenarios, especially when approaching tasks that require structured thinking or data-driven decision-making.
Assignments and projects often encourage me to think critically and apply what I’ve learned, which helps reinforce my knowledge and improves my confidence in a professional setting. This has been particularly useful in developing both my technical and academic skillset alongside my day-to-day responsibilities.
While there are occasional areas where the content could be more closely aligned with specific aspects of my role, overall the qualification adds significant value and enhances my ability to perform effectively at work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, there are a variety of extra-curricular activities available to get involved in at work, particularly social events and professional networking opportunities.
There are regular socials which are a great way to connect with colleagues outside of day-to-day work, helping to build relationships and feel more integrated within the company. In addition, there are professional networking events that provide valuable opportunities to meet people across different teams, learn from others’ experiences, and expand my professional network.
While there may be fewer options in areas such as sports or a wider range of clubs, the activities that are available are well organised and enjoyable. Overall, these opportunities add positively to the workplace experience and support both personal and professional development.
There are regular socials which are a great way to connect with colleagues outside of day-to-day work, helping to build relationships and feel more integrated within the company. In addition, there are professional networking events that provide valuable opportunities to meet people across different teams, learn from others’ experiences, and expand my professional network.
While there may be fewer options in areas such as sports or a wider range of clubs, the activities that are available are well organised and enjoyable. Overall, these opportunities add positively to the workplace experience and support both personal and professional development.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As a leading global technology company, IBM provides an excellent environment to learn and develop both technical and professional skills. It offers exposure to real-world projects, modern technologies, and industry practices, making it a great place to build a strong foundation in tech.
The support network is also a standout aspect, with multiple layers of guidance from managers, mentors, and peers, which helps you grow with confidence. There are plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself, take initiative, and continuously learn, whether through hands-on experience or structured learning.
Overall, IBM is a great place to start and grow your career, especially if you’re looking to develop in the tech industry while being supported every step of the way.
The support network is also a standout aspect, with multiple layers of guidance from managers, mentors, and peers, which helps you grow with confidence. There are plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself, take initiative, and continuously learn, whether through hands-on experience or structured learning.
Overall, IBM is a great place to start and grow your career, especially if you’re looking to develop in the tech industry while being supported every step of the way.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
My advice to others applying to IBM would be to be authentic, curious, and proactive throughout the process.
Firstly, be yourself and clearly show your interest in technology and willingness to learn—IBM values potential and mindset just as much as experience. You don’t need to know everything, but demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm for developing your skills goes a long way.
It’s also important to research IBM as a company—understand its values, areas of work, and the kind of impact it has in the tech industry. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest during the application process.
Finally, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s during interviews or assessment activities, show initiative, communicate your thought process, and be open to learning. Confidence, a positive attitude, and a willingness to grow are key qualities that will help you stand out.
Firstly, be yourself and clearly show your interest in technology and willingness to learn—IBM values potential and mindset just as much as experience. You don’t need to know everything, but demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm for developing your skills goes a long way.
It’s also important to research IBM as a company—understand its values, areas of work, and the kind of impact it has in the tech industry. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest during the application process.
Finally, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s during interviews or assessment activities, show initiative, communicate your thought process, and be open to learning. Confidence, a positive attitude, and a willingness to grow are key qualities that will help you stand out.
