Allaina, Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice
Allaina, Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice
Tell us about your role within the company you work for and what it involves. How does it relate to the degree apprenticeship?
I have been working as an AI Engineer in IBM Client Engineering for the past 3 months. Before this and during my apprenticeship, I worked as a Software Engineer in IBM Engineering. Much like the assignments I had to complete for my modules, I would have to analyse the customer use case, research the technologies I needed to use, program and test the prototype application, and then present it to the stakeholders.
How have you found balancing study for the apprenticeship, but also having a busy working life – any hints and tips?
Honestly, it was a challenge to balance both work and the apprenticeship throughout the 4 years of the course. My ability to balance the two fluctuated over the years; however, each year I learnt what works for me so that when the final year arrived, I knew exactly what I needed to do to meet my deadlines and troubleshoot problems that arose.
In this respect, time management, planning ahead, and setting limits to how much of your time and effort can be focused on work during the academic year is pertinent to successfully balancing work and study. This is particularly important during the March-May period because it is the busiest time for university deadlines and exams, so staying on top of things is important to not get overwhelmed.
How has the studying for a degree apprenticeship benefited your future career? Has it opened new doors or progression for you?
Doing the degree apprenticeship fast tracked my career expeditiously. I have so much more industry knowledge and just a general understanding of the industry climate than if I hadn’t completed the apprenticeship. I was able to learn from industry experts and network with individuals from all across the organisation. From this, I was able to get a mentor in IBM Research that shared with me the AI Engineer role that I now am in. If I hadn’t done the degree apprenticeship, met the people I have and gained the experience I did, I wouldn’t have found this role.
Additionally, Digital and Technology Solutions degree gave me a breadth of understanding that acts as a solid foundation for me to work from. As a technical person, it taught me how to ground technical solutions to business problems and be able to explain those solutions in a way non-technical individuals can understand.
