Software Engineer Review

I am a software engineer who is assigned to projects that me and my team delegate roles for. We have set amount of work that needs to be completed for a deadline. If this does not get completed then the project gets pushed back so everyone tries to help each other. Every morning at 10am we have a meeting with the team so we can see where each other is at when working on their tasks. This is a time for reflection and to help each other when feeling lost.

I am currently doing a degree apprenticeship so i have already learnt so much through this even though i am only 3 months into my program. I have learnt java programming language and also SQl databases. This is essential for my day to day work in the office and with my team whilst on projects. I have also developed my existing presentation skills, i have spent alot of time with experts in this area in order to boost my confidence at speaking to large audiences.

I thoroughly enjoy the program as it teaches me many essential skills whilst also providing the technology knowledge which is reinforced on a daily basis. Also following capgemini's 7 core values everyday helps me really understand what the company is all about. Capgemini is extremely useful when it comes down to supporting their employees, they offer hundreds of online courses that are done on a 'fun' level so that you dont feel like you are actually doing work.

Capgemini make me feel like i am an essential part of the team even though i am only a junior developer at this current stage. This is something that i particularly looked for when starting an apprenticeship, a company that really appreciates the work its employees do for them. In the beginning i felt like my skills were lacking in comparison to others on my team but they got me involved and didnt treat me any less of a team member and this was essential to me.

It is very well structured as i follow a university program so i have my online lectures a few nights a week whilst also working monday to friday. Capgemini is very understanding of this and also provide extra support and study leave days when required. I am also paired up with a buddy system who is a few years ahead of me on my degree so they know exactly what i am going through and offer the support.

From Aston university i have a huge amount of support in terms of facilities and actual tutors. Whilst i was completing my initial 2 months of training i had to complete lectures from 9am-4:15pm every day and so my lecturers were always there to help when need be. They were also very understanding in the fact that alot of my fellow employees hadnt actually done alot of the content before so we had to slow the pace down.

I have received alot of support from capgemini as previously mentioned, they paired me up with a buddy who has been through the program and shares the same experiences. This is key because it allows me to talk to someone for help in a friendly environment. Also my manager kept in regular contact with me to see how i was getting on and if i needed any additional support.

My salary is perfect for what i am currently doing. As capgemini provides an expensing system where it covers food/accomodation and travel this never actually leaves me with any costs. The only cost i really face is my travel to my base location via car which costs in petrol. As i have to travel just over 50 miles a day this does eventually add up.

Capgemini has many events that they offer which really does cater for all audiences. The one that i take advantage of the most of the HMRC gym at one of the offices. This is strictly only used for capgemini employees and is offered at an extremely low price for a one year membership. There is also a football team which play weekly that i have joined in order to stay active whilst also having fun.

Yes

I would recommend capgemini because they really do offer the best service in terms of an apprenticeship i have seen. The amount of money that they invest in order to make you one of their apprentices is really astounding. They offer you all the latest technology equipment so you will always be at the forefront of the business and provide so many more benefits. When i was doing my training they paid for my accommodation and food for 2 months at a hotel. I was not left out of pocket at all which was fantastic.

During the interview process i would say just be yourself but also try to be confident. If you're trying to put on a false persona then the interviewers and assessors will know straight away. Its important to sell yourself well but not trying to overpower other candidates in order to do so. The interviewer just wants to hear your actual skills/experiences, not something waffled or made up on the spot. When you come to completing your training i would say it is essential in order to do well that you put in extra hours of a nighttime, this is essential.