Software Engineer Review

I am currently in the process of working on an iOS native app for a client which will improve their communication within the company. I have had to learn a totally new programming language and become proficient in the frameworks that are associated with iOS Development. When I'm not working on that, I am learning new JavaScript libraries to be another option for a project that will be starting soon.

I have both learnt and developed my skills whilst working on this project. I have learnt new skills in the sense that this is the first time that I have ever worked with anything to do with Apple and their Mobile Operating System and so I have no experience in creating apps. I have developed existing skills because I have done a fair amount of object-oriented programming before and so I have been using this knowledge in order to expedite the rate in which I learnt this new technology.

I enjoy the programme that I am on because the people that I have met whilst I was going through ALE (Accelerated Learning Environment) and working on the client site. The experience itself has gone above and beyond my expectations and I have enjoyed every bit of it, even if there have been particularly stressful times!

I feel quite valued by Capgemini because they have put me on a project that is dealing directly with the client and I have been asked to step up and take responsibility for different parts of the project. Since I am the only one that is making the app itself.

At the beginning, I felt that the programme was very well structured as there was the Induction week, where I got to meet everyone and was introduced to the other apprentices who were in my intake, and then the 8 weeks of ALE. However, once that finished, and I was put on the project that I am currently on, I felt that the organisation dropped a bit and it was like they weren't expecting to have me on the project. That they didn't have anything for me to do and the app project came along by chance.

The support that I received during ALE was brilliant. The lecturers were very helpful and willing to answer almost any question I had. But the important thing was, that they wouldn't just give me the answer straight away, they would make me think about it logically so that I would come up with the answer myself without them spoon-feeding it to me.

The support that I receive from my employer is now a bit more limited, but that is due to the fact that he is not just my manager. He is the overseer for quite a few different mobile operations and so it is to be expected that he can't be of assistance all day every day. However, a bit more assistance here and there wouldn't hurt since this is something totally new to me.

From coming off a just-above minimum wage salary, it is quite a big improvement. I have been able to purchase another car which is very exciting and have money to and travel to different places. While cost cuttings still need to be in place, it isn't as bad as it was at my old job.

In terms of opportunities, I went to the Christmas party for my business unit at the end of last year and that was very interesting to go to. I got to meet different people who I would likely never see as they work on different projects and got to introduce myself to people who were quite high up. That way, I got to chat with them about my experiences as an apprentice and I believe they really enjoyed the feedback.

Yes

The quality of the people here is amazing. The work that they do is very good as it is improving the IT sides of different businesses and it is something that I really wanted to do from a young age. I was actually recommended Capgemini and the apprenticeship scheme by a friend and now I can see exactly why they recommended it to me.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. That is a very important part about growing as a person within Capgemini and if you don't get your voice out there, you won't get the answers that you are looking for. Also, try to meet all of the goals that your managers give you as this will set the bar for your time in Capgemini as an apprentice, and will allow you to progress further, faster.