Will Appleton

Current Employer/Organisation Name

AND Digital

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since graduating during Covid, I started my career in tech recruitment before moving into management consultancy, where I spent four years working on a wide range of technology-enabled transformation projects. Over time, I found my niche in the world of data – supporting clients across financial services, pharma, the third sector, publishing, and more.

My roles have spanned hands-on data engineering and analytics through to data strategy and, more recently, helping organisations design and build AI-enabled data services.

I’m now based in Bristol and work with clients nationally. I joined AND Digital four months ago, where I focus on helping organisations get real value from their data and AI initiatives.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose a career in data and tech consulting because it blends two things I’ve always enjoyed: getting into the detail while keeping sight of the bigger picture. My business background helps me act as the “translator” between technical teams and the wider organisation – making sure what we build genuinely supports business goals.

I love the variety of the work: no two days are the same, I get to collaborate with a huge range of people, and I’m constantly exposed to new tools, technologies, and ideas. The pace of change in data and AI keeps me curious, and the impact we can make for organisations is what keeps me motivated.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

Men’s Rugby Union

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved the flexibility of my programme and the amount of choice it offered. I was able to explore everything from macroeconomics to leadership and organisational behaviour, which meant I could shape my degree around my interests as they developed. The biggest highlight was having that freedom to build a genuinely rounded skillset – something that’s been invaluable in my career.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

Exeter had a great balance: ambitious, driven people paired with a really supportive environment. Sport is a huge part of the culture, so I quickly found a community of like-minded people who’ve become lifelong friends. I also loved the close-knit feel of the campus – everyone lived near each other, so it was easy to build a strong network and feel part of something.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

For me, it was the perfect mix: a course that genuinely excited me, a strong sporting culture, a beautiful location close to the coast, and a university that offered a high-quality education without being overwhelmingly large. It felt like the right environment to push myself academically while still having a brilliant student experience.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Building strong relationships and being able to work confidently with different types of people have been some of the most valuable skills in my career. My degree gave me a really well-rounded foundation which has helped me understand both the detail and the bigger picture in tech projects.

Looking back, I probably would have liked to explore more technical modules, but the mix I had has actually been a real advantage. It means I can bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders, which is a huge part of working in data and AI.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

You don’t need to be deeply technical to get into data or technology. A business, humanities, or mixed background can still set you up really well – as long as you’re curious and willing to keep learning.

Focus on understanding the value of what’s being delivered, not just the tools. Being able to articulate complex ideas simply, and translate between business and technical teams, is incredibly powerful.

And don’t worry about knowing everything on day one – most of the learning happens on the job. A willingness to upskill as you go will take you a long way.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to continue building my career in data and AI by staying hands-on with emerging technologies and continually expanding my skill set. The industry moves fast, so my focus is on staying ahead of the curve, taking on new challenges, and developing the depth and breadth of experience needed to lead larger, more complex projects in the future.