Bishop Thomas Grant Catholic Secondary School

I am currently completing a software engineering degree apprenticeship at Morgan Stanley, while working towards a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering) at Queen Mary University of London. I spend two days of the week at university and three days in the office. I have really enjoyed my experience so far. From a professional perspective, I have gained an extensive understanding of multiple areas within the firm, from network engineering with the core network infrastructure team, to developing applications for a key front-office function. Working across such diverse parts of the business has allowed me to build a broad network with colleagues at different levels of expertise, experience, and seniority. One of my initial concerns was that I might be labelled as an “apprentice” and treated accordingly, but that fear was quickly dispelled. I have been entrusted with significant autonomy and have taken on key roles in various projects that are still in production and are actively used by others today.

I applied for French and Philosophy but got accepted for French. What enticed me the most was that a languages degree afforded me a year abroad, which in Oxford, is a maximum of 15 months (but you must do 6)! I spent 8 months as an English Language assistant in Versailles (just west of Paris) but lived in Paris. After that, I spent nine weeks in Guadeloupe, an archipelago in the French Caribbean. I loved both experiences and how impactful it has been for both my language skills and my confidence.

The process was long with lots of stages, so was the initial interest which you access on the company website. They sent updates at various stages, so you really need to keep an eye on your email - we used a family one, so my mum did this bit! The process involved an application form, online testing and group exercises over 2 days (mine was online, as not long after covid). Then the final interview.

I applied at end of Year 12 and although I had to give up some days over the summer for the Assessment Centres, I had my final interviews and offers in October, so that was a relief. I am doing a Tax apprenticeship at EY (formerly Ernest C Young) which is Level 7 and includes an accountancy qualification. You apply and then they offer you which service line they think you are best suited to. There are also Audit and Technology Apprenticeships.