Software Release Engineer Review

My job role is entitled "Build and Service Specialist" or "Software Release Engineer" in the department "Cloud and Development Platforms". To briefly outline my role, I build products using tools like Eclipse and Ant (or Antz - IBM's extended version of Ant for use with zSystems). CICS, which is the largest middleware worldwide used by every major bank for high-speed secure transactions, has been in development for around 50 years. Branching off CICS are many other products, which is, at the moment, what I am building. My responsibilities on a day to day basis are ever-changing, as there are many different components to the role, but currently, I am working on building a small, single FMID product to learn the ropes of building and get to grips with how it works - error fixing, using a tn3270 terminal to connect to zSystems and binary comparisons between textdecks produced by compiling the code in RTC.

Since being in this role, I have learned an entirely new programming language for use on internal IBM systems - this is called REXX. I have also learned Ant, Antz, how to navigate through eclipse, UKCPSG and various other intranet systems, as well as developed my existing knowledge around programming through tasks involving coding in C.

Because of the large amount of responsibilities my role entails, no two days are ever the same. While I have always liked the idea of programming, I hated the idea of what is commonly labelled as an "office job". However, the agile environment in which I am constantly thrown into has proven to be everything but that. Keeping me on my toes with new learning experiences has made this job very enjoyable for me.

In our department, I am not seen as an apprentice or inferior in any way. I am seen as a co-worker, which is what motivates me to use my initiative while learning. I feel like I am a valued member of the team, and there are times where my input is genuinely valued.

While the rest of IBM has had apprentices in different departments for a lot longer, the department which I work in has just started - I am one of the first of two apprentices to ever be in a technical role of this kind. This means that I am learning at the same time as management as to how to structure my time here. While it may have been difficult for them to determine how to structure the programme, having no guidlenes and having never done it before, I am given a 1-2-1 meeting every month with my task manager to discuss how my role is, how the learning process is, and what can be done to improve it. While it may have not been easy to structure the programme prior to my arrival, I am working with management to make it a viable role for future apprentices, and they are very understanding and considerate to my thoughts.

Most of the contact with my training provider is made through my Early Professionals Manager - (EPM). They meet with training providers to discuss what needs to be done qualification-wise, and then discusses it with me on a more relevant basis. It may be difficult for a training provider to understand exactly my role, and therefore the communication is minimal.

My employer is the one who discusses things with my training provider and relates them back to me in a relevant way. By relating these experiences with my job role, it makes it much easier to understand, which in-turn, makes my experience here a much more enjoyable one.

The salary starts at £15,000, and as much as my research tells me prior to finding this role, this is one of the highest paying apprenticeships. Not only this, but IBM try to make it so that by the end of the apprenticeship I am on the same as what the graduates start on. This is done through small regular salary increments every 6 months. While it will not always be possible, and is climate-dependant, the starting salary is already more than reasonable for an apprentice, and is a very affordable allowance to be living on.

As I have only spent a short time in the role, I haven't yet searched for any opportunities outside of work, but am aware of the constant "giveback" opportunities that fill my inbox with regards to events going on outside.

Yes

IBM is accommodating to less experienced young professionals who believe that they are ready for the working world without a degree. IBM recognises the value of knowledge and creativity rather than percentages and scores, and provides opportunities equally to everyone. For me, it is a fantastic company - I was recommended by a friend, and I would happily pass it on to another.

Research the company to find something that inspires you. Don't apply because of a high salary or because "It's a big company". IBM has been going since 1911, and the three companies that combined to make it were going tens of years before that. Their products have ranged from the application of lasers in eye surgery, to the inventing of ATMs, or the first company to try and create mobile computers (laptops). Find something that inspires you and try to build your career around that inspiration.