Platform Engineer Review

I work in a team that works on minimum viable products that are used to showcase the value we can provide clients. As clients are interested in the newest technologies, we are constantly learning so that we can use them in our MVPs. Day to day involves working with the team to use that knowledge to mock up a software solution that shows the client how well we can solve their problem.

In the first year, I underwent a bootcamp, where I learnt front-end and back-end engineering skills, as well as how to work with our cloud computing resources. Over time, I have developed my front-end skills quite well, mixing in a bit more of the cloud computing and am now looking to improve a bit more on my back-end skillset.

I am a more technical person, so I really enjoy my day to day role, where I can work in a team on software solutions. I'm also enjoying the software engineering course at university, although I'm not too keen on using Java. I personally did find the business units quite boring and slow in the first 2 years.

The DTS programme is split into 4 years at MMU. The first year is like a foundation year and things pick up from year 2 but more so in year 3. It is once a week at university, which works well, since most of the content is run through pretty fast. Sometimes timetabling is odd and you can find yourself with a 2 hour lunch or an extra hours break somewhere random though.

My line manager does a really good job supporting me through the apprenticeship. If I need some time to finish up some university work or if I want to take part in a bootcamp, I just need to ask. There's also lots of people me work with to support with topics I don't understand. If I'm ever having any issues, I can also talk to my foundation manager, who will try to help me reach a solution.

There is a learning support email, where you can send assignments for a quick review before submission, which would be useful considering you're graded on coursework only. You can also ask your lecturers for advice, but the quality heavily varies. There's also skills' coaches, who will do their best to help you or point you to the right place, but it depends on if they are learned on your pathway and usually they'll point you to the learning support group.

I am on the software engineering pathway, in year 3. The software classes start in year 2, but become more relevant in year 3. Year 2 was more about learning some Java skills and programming concepts. By the time I got to year 2 I had already been applying those concepts for a year and a half, and in year 3 where we are learning about web services, the only thing new to me was Java specific or a couple of concepts I hadn't come across yet. I don't use Java in my role and while those concepts are good to know, I still don't use them in my role. The university seems to be lagging quite far behind.

My team has social events regularly throughout the year, but not all teams do this. I've heard of a sports team for football in the foundation group. There's also lots of communities for things you might be interested in. Sometimes there's even client events you can get involved in.

Yes

IBM does quite well in nurturing young talent and supports you well throughout your programme. The management structure looks odd at first glance but works really well throughout the course. There's plenty of support from really skilled people and you can learn useful things a lot faster than on your own.

Make sure your CV emphasises your soft skills, since these are what you will be using when interacting with clients. During the assessment centre don't be quiet and engage with your peers in the activities. Prepare for the interview and ask relevant questions to show your interest in the role.