Sixth Form Alumni
BTG Alumni Discuss Their Experiences post Sixth Form
Daniel
Deloitte Apprenticeship Programme
What was your experience of the application process for your apprenticeship?
The Deloitte apprenticeship programme had a thorough four-stage selection process. Initially, I completed an immersive online assessment, followed by a job simulation. My success in these stages led me to an assessment centre, where I participated in group exercises and tackled case studies. I was able to then progress onto the last stage consisting of a final interview with a Partner from my current team. Throughout the process, I was met with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, which further motivated me to succeed. While my technical tax knowledge was limited beforehand, I effectively showcased the transferability of my existing skills and my enthusiasm for becoming part of the team. I then received my offer in December 2023 and had my first day in September 2024.
Is there anything you would have done earlier/differently?
Reflecting on my experience, I would advise dedicating ample time to each application and assessment. Missing deadlines led to a few applications being withdrawn, which could have been avoided by engaging with my teachers to manage schoolwork effectively. Additionally, narrowing down my apprenticeship focus earlier would have been beneficial. My interest in law led me to apply for solicitor apprenticeships alongside those in finance and tax. Juggling the different recruitment processes, with their unique demands, was very challenging.
What apprenticeship are you doing and with which organisation?
As part of my apprenticeship at Deloitte, I am pursuing the Level 4 CIMA qualification. Upon successful completion, I have the opportunity to progress on to the Level 7 CIMA qualification, which is equivalent to a master's degree. Alternatively, I could choose to work towards the ACA or CTA qualification. Deloitte, being one of the world's largest professional services firms and a member of the Big Four accounting firms, provides an exceptional platform for my career growth. Currently, I am contributing as a Tax Valuations Analyst within the Tax and Legal department.
What has your experience been like so far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed every day as far as it has been filled with great people, numerous opportunities and rewarding benefits in a supportive and inclusive environment. So far, I have been on numerous trips around the UK, where everything is taken care of. The firm offers many financial and rewarding benefits for their employees as well as competitive salaries and hybrid working. The chance to connect with people from different departments daily is invaluable, providing me with broad insights and perspectives. Furthermore, the extensive training I have received over the past few months has equipped me with essential skills that will undoubtedly shape my future success. The team is deeply understanding of the fact that I am a school leaver and are always there to help me out if I find anything difficult.
Andrew
Completed A Levels in 2022
Software Engineering Apprenticeship at Morgan Stanley
What was your experience of the application process for your Apprenticeship?
I applied to nine different companies, mostly within the financial sector and the application process varied company to company, but for the apprenticeship I secured, the process included an online application, followed by a video interview, and finally an assessment centre, which comprised a behavioural interview, a problem-solving interview, and a presentation. After receiving my offer, I needed to achieve a minimum of ABB to secure my place on the programme, and I was able to earn 2 A*s and an A. The application process can be quite stressful—being rejected by firms you have been interviewing with for a while can be disheartening, but it eventually pays off if you stick with it.
Is there anything you would have done earlier/differently in preparation?
I would have tried to get more experience in the industry I was interested in, in my case technology, whether through virtual or in-person work, just having some exposure to the industry would have bolstered my CV a lot more. I also would have spent more time familiarising myself with commonly used technologies industry wide. Even though a lot of it gets picked up on the job, it would have made it easier to follow along in meetings and understand the bigger picture from the start.
What Apprenticeship are you doing and with which organisation?
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.
What has your experience been like so far?
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.
The balance between university and work has generally been less overwhelming than I anticipated, though there are periods of high stress—especially during the summer, when increased responsibilities at work coincide with looming deadlines and exam preparation. At times, it requires sacrificing some extracurricular activities for a short period, going to sleep later than usual, to work on university assignments, or completing work on designated university days to meet project timelines.
From a social perspective, missing out on the typical university student life was not much of a concern. That said, although I do not have the complete freedom a university student has, I have enjoyed myself more than I expected and have formed great relationships—not just with other apprentices, interns, and placement students, but also with colleagues I have worked with and built strong bonds with. I have had plenty of great nights out with these people, gone on numerous holidays with them, and I also see my friends at their universities often. To an extent, I don’t feel like I have missed out on much.
Destiny
Completed A Levels in BTG in 2021
Currently in her final year studying French at Lincoln College, Oxford
What was your experience of the application process like?
The application process was long, but I was greatly supported by my teachers. Oxbridge applications have to be sent in much earlier (i.e. Mid-October), so my personal statement was drafted and edited quickly compared to other students. It was cathartic to be able to express my love for my A-Level subjects, while stating how that would translate with the degree I applied for.
Interview and entry exam preparation was extremely rigorous! I had free periods every Friday afternoon, which I spent either revising for the MLAT (Modern Languages Admission Test), or having practise interviews with people that my teachers had thought it best to match me with, so that I had that same sense of unfamiliarity that I would have felt when doing my two Oxford interviews.
My Friday afternoons were also spent with my French teacher (Mme Wilkinson) and Mr Bull - our Oxbridge consultant, which was great for preparation. Mrs Lavelle (our UCAS coordinator) was amazing in providing moral support and logistical matters when applying to university. I am truly indebted to their collective effort in getting me to do the degree I love, today!
Is there anything you wish you had done earlier in preparation for applying to university?
I wish I had a better understanding of what colleges were! I was so set into just 'getting into Oxford' that I had not considered where I would like to live/which community I would join for the next four years of my life. Either way, things worked out for the best because I was pooled into a different college to what I applied for, and I do prefer Lincoln! I would also say have a thorough look at what your syllabus entails. I originally applied for a dual honour because I thought doing the 'sole' version of that degree meant that the modules would not completely satisfy my interests, but I could not have been more wrong! I am, in fact, relieved to study a single honour degree as opposed to a dual.
What course did you decide to study?
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.
My course varies from medieval French right up to twentieth-century literature and translation. In first year, you study works from each time period, before deciding on modules that correspond to your favourite time modules in second and fourth years ("Final Honours School"). I opted for early modern (1500-1800) and modern (1715-) French modules mainly for its philosophical themes, especially when questioning the role of the French language as a tool in colonialism over that time. In second and fourth years, you also must write essays in French. These are marked to the same standard to that of a French university, so technique is vital in being able to master such a skill. I also revisited some authors that I studied in A-Level in a more profound lens, leaving me with more questions that could be discussed in tutorials. French soloists have to take a medieval to modern French translation module in their final year, which is nerve-wracking at worst, and exciting at best!
What has your experience been like at university?
The course, is of course, difficult, and it is very easy to get swept away by the amount of extra-curricular activities that you can be a part of, but it is manageable should you treat your degree as a '9-5' with some time to socialise after. Furthermore, I have loved my experience at university. Despite knowing it will always feel slightly daunting for me, as I was the only student from my cohort to have gotten in, I managed to find the best friends. The learning experience is much more rigorous and intense by virtue of smaller class ['tutorial'] numbers, but it allowed us students to bounce off each other when needed. The year abroad gave me time to res(e)t, which was much needed after burning out at the end of second year.
Destiny, Lincoln College Oxford, September 2024
Evan
Completed A Levels in 2022
Studied Archaeology in Cambridge
What was your experience of the application process like?
My experience of the application process was smooth thanks to the support I got from staff at BTG. I had varied interests and had never been sure what I wanted to study at university. At first therefore, deciding on a degree course seemed quite overwhelming. However, speaking to all my A-Level subject teachers and Mr Bull, the school’s Oxbridge consultant, helped me to assess my options. They showed me different pathways which I had not considered.
Talking to my friends at school about our ideas for university and keeping each other updated on the progress of our applications helped keep me grounded and motivated. Both with staff and friends at school, I felt supported through each part of the application process, which for Cambridge can often seem long-winded and confusing. Whether it be writing my personal statement or preparing for interviews, I received personalised, constructive feedback at each step. I remember finding it useful to work on my application little by little but often, particularly during free periods.
School staff made sure I was fully confident going into my interview by reaching out to their contacts in Archaeology-related fields to provide me with multiple mock interviews. I actually found my real Cambridge interview less difficult than some of these mock interviews as a result!
For me the most important aspect of the process is to approach each stage calmly, confidently and with plenty of time. The support that I received at BTG definitely facilitated that.
Is there anything you wish you had done earlier in preparation for applying to university?
One of the main things that helped me get through the application process smoothly was do extra research, reading and generally gaining an insight into what Archaeology was and different areas of the subject that interested me. This was particularly important since Archaeology, like many other subjects at university, is not taught in school. It helped me to show in my personal statement and interview that I already had a passion for the subject and was competent researching and thinking about it. Since I only knew which course I wanted to study relatively late-on, I wish I had done more research earlier about different subjects which are not taught in school and explored the different areas that could interest me by reading more in-depth. This would have also helped me to decide which modules to take once I did arrive at university, as I found myself a little overwhelmed by all the options available to me!
What course did you decide to study?
I decided to study Archaeology, and have never looked back! At A-Level I did Biology, Spanish, Classical Civilisation and Geography, and I wanted a degree that would give me a similar amount of flexibility between both STEM and humanities topics. I reasoned that Archaeology was for me since it is so varied in the topics and skills it teaches you.
During my degree I have found myself specialising in the Archaeology of South America and have become very interested in theoretical approaches which Archaeology shares with the other humanities. However, I have also enjoyed the more scientific areas which I have studied during the course, such as human evolution and material science. I particularly enjoy the practical aspect to my degree. For instance, we regularly have object handling sessions in local Cambridge museums and during my studies I have gone on excavations in the UK, Spain and Peru which have really enriched my experience.
What has your experience been like at university?
I have really enjoyed my time so far at Cambridge. The city really feels like an exciting place to study with so much history and research going on around you. This gives you invaluable opportunities as a student to interact with world-leading experts and important people who work in or visit the university for talks and conferences.
The social life of a Cambridge student is just as important and I have found that the college system means that there are so many more musical, sports and social events on offer since each of the 31 colleges virtually functions as a ‘mini-university’. I’ve particularly enjoyed playing and listening to a wide range of student music, getting involved in student councils and trying out new sports such as squash and rowing. Lots of these opportunities are far more inaccessible once you leave university, so I’ve tried to make the most of it. Although sometimes it has challenged me, I have found both the social and academic side of Cambridge accessible as a state-school student, and I believe that everybody can find like-minded people here.
Finn
Completed A Levels in BTG in June 2024
Accountancy Apprenticeship with EY (formerly Ernest s Young)
What was your experience of the application process for your Apprenticeship?
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.
Is there anything they would have done earlier/differently in preparation?
You can never do enough research - e.g. EY have a careers page with lots of advice from current apprenticeships and graduates. My advice is to practice doing online testing - there are lots of free ones online. Mine was an hour long, so you need to get your timing correct and be able to think quickly!
What Apprenticeship are they doing and with which organisation?
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.
What has been their experience been like so far?
Good so far, so much to learn and with a very supportive team. Have had two weeks in college and have done one general exam. I have another exam coming up in November which I am preparing for, but they give me time off to study. I do a mix of three days in office and two days working from home.
Michael
Completed A Levels/BTECs in BTG in June 2023
Data Analyst Apprenticeship
What was their experience of the application process for their Apprenticeship?
Not only for the apprenticeship I am currently on but also for other apprenticeships I applied to; it was definitely a long process. The reality of it is that applying for apprenticeships can take weeks or even months as you move across the different phases of application. Majority of apprenticeship schemes that you may come across will request a normal filling out of personal information (such as your name, school, grades etc) then they may ask you for some sort of cover letter or statement on why you want the apprenticeship and what skills you bring along; I would really suggest you make a good impression on yourself when it comes to this stage as this is what will really help hiring managers decide if they’re interested in you or not – don’t forget to show your personality. Now it may be a couple weeks or months till you hear back from your apprenticeship however this does not mean you should get de-motivated – I applied to about 56 apprenticeships and only got out 3 interviews – this is very normal amongst applicants.
Is there anything they would have done earlier/differently in preparation?
Take your time. When applying to apprenticeships ALWAYS include a cover letter or some sort of personal statement. At the start of applying to apprenticeships I made the mistake of being lazy and writing really wishy-washy cover letters as I was rushing to get through the application. This equalled to me not getting through the first phases of applying; it was when I started putting effort into my applications was when I started to see results – it’s true, hard work does pay off!
Moreover, work on your interview skills! I agree...they are very daunting, but what helps is knowing what to expect and to prepare yourself as much as you can. Work on how you would answer interview questions, how you portray yourself and what you need to show off to make a good impression.
Projects. I know you’d think after school you wouldn’t have to do a project ever again...BUT these are super helpful to use throughout all phases of the application! Projects allow a hiring manager not only see the skills you have, being put in use, but also reflect your interest in the field. This goes for extra-curricular activities and external certificates you may have outside of school. You do not have to do millions or any large project, just something that is enough for you to show your interest and elaborate on. For example, I created a handful of data and cybersecurity related projects which allowed me to talk about and show a keen interest in the field I wanted; I referred to these projects constantly in my cover letters and interviews.
What Apprenticeship are they doing?
I am currently undertaking an apprenticeship as a Data Analyst. My job requires me to collect, organise and analyse data to generate valuable insights, all while ensuring strict security and confidentiality standards.
What has been their experience been like so far?
Love it! As draining as the application process is, once you’re in, you’ll thank yourself for putting so much effort into applying! As an apprentice you get the experience of what it is like to be in the field you have chosen and also you learn at the same time – I personally felt like this was much more suited for me than it was for me to go to University.
My personal experience as an apprentice has been amazing. I love that I’m constantly learning new skills for the benefit of my future within IT but also the independence that comes with it. Working in a professional environment forces you to adapt and grow into adulthood, as you begin to take on more responsibility not only for yourself but also for your company. I’d also like to mention the connections you make as an apprentice; I have worked amongst some really interesting people and gained valuable knowledge which has helped me scope out what my next moves are towards my career – you don’t get that going to uni. Oh, and did I forget to mention you get paid for doing something you like? It's great!
Sean
Completed A Levels at BTG in 2018
Studied Geography at Cambridge
What was your experience of the application process like?
- My experience of the application process was very positive because of the help that is available at BTG thanks to the supportive staff who really go the extra mile, which I don’t believe is always available at other state schools. Due to the fact that I was still not 100% sure whether I wanted to go to Cambridge I didn't let myself worry too much about applying which is probably the reason I managed to get in! Its important to focus on it one step at a time and use the advice available to write a good personal statement early on so you can keep updating it and think of new things to put down or do some online courses to improve it. If you need to submit essays or examples of work then try to give answers which show your passion for the subject and an interest in specific aspects of it. I found it useful in my personal statement to focus on specific parts of the course that I was interested in and have read around, so it is worth doing some research on what topics the university covers. While the interviews are probably the most daunting aspect its important to stay relaxed about it - in my experience the colleges do a good job of making it a less scary process than you would expect. Luckily the sixth form team arranged mock interviews for us so we could at least get a feel of what a real interview may be like. While the questions may seem completely different to ones you are used to in your course they are designed to take you out of your comfort zone and show how you can think through a problem and explain your answer rather than being correct.
Is there anything you wish you had done earlier in preparation for applying to university?
- I didn't really research the college system much and did an open application to Cambridge so I maybe would have taken more time to understand the differences between colleges and look more at the course details to know whether it was really right for me. However, there is a lot of information on the internet and vlogger style videos about university which aren't necessarily representative of everyone's experience so there are limits to how much that will tell you. It would have been useful to go to an open day or make contact with someone doing the course or at the college to ask more questions about the workload and social life.
What course did you decide to study?
- Geography- I've personally found Geography to be a good mix of practical skills, a bit of science in the first year and now I have focused on the human geography topics I am more interested in. Its a very social subject which I have found to be an important part of enjoying the course and getting involved in university life. I studied Geography, History and English at A level because I am stronger at essay writing and have found the content in all of them useful in my current studies.
What has your experience been like so far at university?
- I have hugely enjoyed my time at Cambridge. It has been a great place to study and live, is a lot more social than you would expect and I have managed to find a good balance of work and college life. The college system makes it easy to get involved with a lot of sports and have a good social life and there are some amazing opportunities on offer. While Oxbridge has lots of quirks, I have found these to be enjoyable and accessible to someone from a state school. The university is doing a lot of work to improve access to people from different backgrounds and, while I was worried about the workload and not having a traditional student experience, any university experience will be what you make of it. That being said, Oxbridge may not be right for everyone depending on the course you want to do- the 8 week terms are quite short and can be quite stressful with a lot of essays and supervisions. It is a great place to challenge yourself and push your boundaries, meet some great people and study at an amazing place, however the teaching style is very specific and may not suit your personal needs.
Laura
Completed A Levels at BTG in 2016
Studied History at Cambridge
What was your experience of the application process like?
My experience of the application process to Cambridge was quite long and drawn out but as it was done in stages it didn’t feel too difficult and was quite manageable alongside A Level work. My teachers were all very understanding and supportive when I was going through the process and helped me to manage my work on top of my preparation. Mr Bull, the schools Oxbridge consultant, also helped me a lot through each stage so I didn’t ever feel confused or overwhelmed.
Is there anything you wish you had done earlier in preparation for applying to university?
If there was anything I wish I could have done earlier in preparation it would be to have had a clearer understanding earlier on of which University (Oxford or Cambridge) I was going to choose as well as which College I wanted to apply for. As each University has a different application process and each College has different requirements in terms of whether you have to submit work or sit tests before the interview stage, this would have helped me to start the preparation or the work earlier, making it easier to balance with my studies.
To help with this decision, I would look at how your course differs at each University and make your decision based on which one you think holds more of your interests or you’d find more enjoyable. To decide between Colleges, each College has a different ethos and they’re usually quite clear on their websites about this so I would do some reading on each and choose one you feel aligns with your personality, as well as what their accommodation provides. For example some Colleges in Cambridge still don’t have fully equipped kitchens so you would have to buy all of your food or just microwave everything!
What course did you decide to study?
I studied History at Cambridge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst there were compulsory components to the course which made it quite Eurocentric in the first couple of years, such as having to take at least one British History paper, one European History paper and one pre-1725 paper, there were also a range of other papers to choose from as well as a range of topics within each paper, so I was able to choose subjects which interested me. Contact hours for history are quite low so there’s a lot of time that you have to manage for yourself but if you’re interested in what you’re reading about its enjoyable.
What has your experience been like so far at university?
I really enjoyed my time at Cambridge, it was a lot of work and it was challenging to acclimatise to but it was also a very valuable and unique experience. Whilst there is a lot of work there is also a lot of opportunity to socialise and meet people, there’s many societies and clubs you can join and so much to do outside of your studies.
