Technical Specialist Review

I work in a Technical role as a Technical Specialist and developer for Android. I work simultaneously with the other that also work on the iOS version of the app(s) we are building. In the role I have to manage a board with our current tasks and defects, manage the Sprints and make sure that we on on track with them. We use this board to keep track of what we need to be adding or fixing in the app(s) we are building, so that we don't get off track and add unnecessary things, and also because it's the easiest form of communication between the team about the smaller things. It's helps everyone keep updating as to what is happening where, what has been done or needs doing. We currently have one big project, but I also have to keep an eye on previous ones that were worked on or are finished, just in-case someone reports a defect with it of which needs to be action-ed and worked on right away, especially if it is stopping the customer from using that service.

I have learned and improved my time management skills the most. I have to be writing things down and doing things immediately if they are important, or thinking about which task takes priority over others. I have also been learning to code in Java, which is the language that Android uses. Eventually I will learn to use C++, so I can develop in iOS.

It's a simple job that never puts you in a spot with nothing to do. There are always things to be working on, whether it's things for your job role, or coursework for the apprenticeship qualification. There are always people around to help or talk to if you are stuck or want a chat, and there are plenty of resources and services around to help you feel relaxed.

Through recognition and feedback, I can see what people think about the way I work, what is good or bad and what I can do to improve myself. This makes me feel good because it shows that IBM is trying to improve everyone's skills and make everybody feel like they have an input on the people around them. There are also lots of open access activities that anyone is welcome to come to, which gets people involved with one another and gets people interacting and with other IBMers, so that they can talk and share what they are doing for the company and for themselves.

The support and courses that IBM are directly involved with are well structured and presented. They are also very accessible and clear to when they will be, with the mandatory courses being announced several months before they happen so that everyone has enough time to prepare for them, and make space for them. The coursework units are also quite well presented and have enough detail to be able to work on comfortably. But even so coursework (like usual) can be a bit of a mess to work on and some parts are unclear as to what needs to be done, but the support at IBM are happy to help with these problems.

A huge amount. There are always people available to help with anything, whether it be your manager, people in your team or anyone else in the company.

Again, a huge amount. There are always people available to help with anything, whether it be your manager, people in your team or anyone else in the company. You are usually employed by someone in your team, so they will always be there to help.

It's more than enough. It's a comfortable living wage to start with, an there is also a reimbursement system in place to cover travel costs. If you need to go away for a few days to meet with a client or something else IBM related, the company will pay for the whole things, so you wont be out of pocket.

Tons and tons of them. There are always workshops open for people to go in and take part in, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to host them and invite people to come. There are always rooms to book around the IBM sites so that you can plan for them.

Yes

It's a great place to work overall. Good work, good people and a good salary to go on top.

Push yourself. If someone asks you to do something, whether it be for the interview or a task when you join, go above and beyond that do even more than they expect.You need to raise the bar and impress people to really be able to show people what you are capable of.