Are you hoping to kick-start your career with a data science graduate scheme? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will list some of the top data science graduate schemes and share top tips to help you excel in the application process.
What is a data science graduate scheme?
Data science graduate schemes are programmes designed to provide recent graduates with a structured pathway into a data science career.
These data science graduate programmes give graduates exposure to different areas of data science, such as:
- Data Analysis
- Machine Learning
- Data Engineering
- Data Visualisation
These programs are delivered through a combination of classroom training, on-the-job learning, projects and mentoring from other data scientists.
#1: Lloyds Banking Group
The data science graduate scheme at Lloyds Banking Group will enable you to utilise your coding skills and love of tech and numbers to solve business problems.
The scheme kicks off with a data science boot camp to increase your understanding of data science, followed by three eight-month placements.
To get on the program, you’ll need a strong level of existing knowledge of coding, modelling and data manipulation, regression, SVM and more. Find out how to apply for the Lloyds Data Science graduate scheme.
Key info:
- Entry requirements: 2:2 degree or above in any discipline. Masters and PhD students are welcome to apply.
- Locations: London, Bristol, Cardiff, West Yorkshire and Edinburgh but some placements may be elsewhere in the UK.
#2: Data Science Campus
The Data Science Campus is an important initiative that is helping to promote the use of data science in the public sector and delivering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing societal challenges facing the UK today.
They offer a Graduate Programme in Data Science that gives grads an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience and enhance their data science skills through a two-year learning pathway.
Key info:
Eligibility
- programming ability in R, Python or a relevant language
- a 2:1 degree, or postgraduate qualification with a numeric or postgraduate qualification.
#3: Transport for London
As a graduate on the Transport for London data science scheme, you’ll have the opportunity to complete 4-5 rotations. During this time, you’ll develop skills and experiences to help you to start your career in data science.
#4: Marks & Spencer
The data science graduate scheme at M&S is a rotational scheme, spanning 18-24 months.
- online assessment
- on-demand video interview
- assessment centre or a final interview
#5: British Airways
The data science graduate scheme at British Airways will allow you to apply your analytical skills to influence real-life multi-million-pound decisions.
#6: Barclays
Barclays offer a Data and Analytics programme designed to develop you into a data and decision sciences specialist
#7: Accenture
Accenture offers an Analytics graduate programme to help you gain an understanding of how data, and statistical and quantitative analysis are used to make informed business strategies.
You’ll be a good fit if you are analytical and enjoy logical problem-solving. Experience with analytics tools and/ or a coding language will be a bonus.
You’ll also need client-facing skills such as the ability to interpret and translate client requirements into viable solutions.
#8: Morrisons
Morrisons offers a two-year graduate scheme in Data Science with intensive data science training in the first 6 months.
Upon successful completion of your data science graduate scheme, you’ll have the opportunity to be promoted to Data Scientist, continuing to work with the Data Science team.
Data Science Graduate Scheme CV Tips
- Demonstrate great communication skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical team members.
- If you know any coding languages, showcase them on your CV.
- Highlight your mathematical, logical and problem-solving abilities.
- If you have a data science or related degree consider listing some relevant modules that you took.
What is the career trajectory of a data scientist?
A linear trajectory could look like this:
- Data scientist
- Lead data scientist
- Senior data scientist
- Head of data science
However, It’s worth noting that the career trajectory of a data scientist is not always linear.
Data scientists may choose to specialize in a particular area of data science, such as machine learning or natural language processing, or they may move into related fields such as data engineering or product management.
Ultimately, the career trajectory of data scientists will depend on their interests, skills, and career goals.
Data science graduate schemes in London
Some of the popular graduate schemes in London are at companies including KPMG, Deloitte, Barclays, Tesco and British Airways.
Data Science Graduate Schemes: Final Thoughts
It is an exciting time to be applying for data science graduate schemes.
Ensure that your CV is tailored to each company that you apply for, and be sure to optimise your CV to demonstrate that you have the skills to make a great Data Scientist.
If you need help with your applications and interviews, get in touch.
Featured image: Hitesh Choudhary
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