Second year Software Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship at JP Morgan.
June 2022.
In S4, I achieved N5 (SCQF level 5) Maths, English, Physics, Computing, Geography, Chemistry and French.
In S5, I achieved Higher (SCQF level 6) Maths, English, Physics, Computing and Geography.
In S6 I achieved Advanced Higher (SCQF level 7) Maths, Physics and Computing.
Former pupils who did graduate apprenticeships made me aware of this path, but it was primarily through my own research that I learned of the opportunities available. I networked with a few people in industry who went through similar schemes to get their opinions which helped inform my decision. Sites like apprenticeships.scot were great for finding available opportunities, and University open days at Glasgow and Strathclyde helped as well. All of this was led by me though, my family initially wanted me to follow the more traditional path of going to University to study a degree so I had to convince them that this path was ideal for me, but I suppose in a way that helped confirm to me that this was correct, because I had to be clear on my reasoning.
I was a software development intern at CitNOW during my S6. This internship was huge for me. I was working on real world projects writing production code, getting first hand experience of the entire software development process. The knowledge I gained was invaluable and my knowledge and ability to develop production ready, test driven code has grown exponentially. Plus its just really awesome to know that code I've written is running in the real world! I'm looking to become a software engineer so this was invaluable in reaching that target and seriously fast tracked my career.
I was a member of the school Orchestra - this helped build team related skills.
I enjoyed team sports like hockey, again building team related skills, and boosting my fitness.
I created and led the school's code club: Mentoring is a big part of software engineering, so the skills I've learned from doing exactly this in school is invaluable down the line. Also just building a club from the ground up is certainly an interesting process and definitely one I recommend you do (it looks great on CV's and makes for excellent talking points in interviews). Being able to teach a subject in a simple form as well also really helps reinforce your own learning, making you even more knowledgeable in a subject you're passionate about.
Also all these activities were just really fun, and in my mind enjoying the journey is the most important part.
I developed specific skills by immersing myself in team settings and situations. Conflicts arise, I learn to adapt, in turn my skills in this department are developed.
This will sound counter intuitive, but exams really don't matter as much as you think. Yes it's important to do well, entry requirements are a very real thing that you need to be aware of, but excessive studying to get top of the year awards is gratuitous. Coming from someone who got multiple year over year: you'll regret it. Work reasonably hard to get the grades you want, but focus more on developing skills that you are passionate about. You have so much free time at your age, so try lots of new activities or develop new and interesting skills to find what you're truly passionate about. If it's not for you, move on. If it is, run with it, learn as much as you can. Who knows, maybe one day this could lead to a career. And trust me, when you're passionate about something, it doesn't feel like work. You'll never regret learning something new, the only regrets will be for the things you didn't.
Enjoy the journey, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it may lead.
