Software Engineer Review

I am a software engineer, which means that a lot of my time is spent working at a computer. As a software engineer, I contribute to the development of various types of software, which usually involves a lot of code writing and testing. Daily tasks include a daily meeting in the morning with my team to discuss the day ahead and what stages we are all at. I also take meetings throughout the day with various people to discuss solutions, problems, or potential changes which may need to happen. Other than this, I am usually working at my computer on the current task.

Upon starting my apprenticeship, I had little software development background, and had only done some coding at A-Level. In the first 3 months of the apprenticeship, all of the degree apprentices are put onto an Accelerated Learning Environment, where everyone is bought up to speed with technical knowledge, Java & SQL. When starting my job after the Accelerated Learning Environment, I felt very well prepared, and I feel that without ALE I would have struggled massively to begin with. It was a really good head start when starting my job. As part of the Professional Practice module on the degree, I have been assigned to a skills coach who I meet monthly, and will help me to develop both personal and professional skills. This is really useful for my career development.

I am really enjoying the programme, especially my every day work. I am not made to feel like an apprentice, but instead made to feel as a normal Capgemini employee which is really nice. Everyone is always willing to help, and you are made to feel comfortable with speaking up or asking questions. I do enjoy the university course, as some of the modules are very interesting. However, I do feel that what lets the degree course down is the poor organisation of the university. Also, I feel that the contents of some modules could be made more relevant to the actual business work.

I have monthly meetings with my manager to have an informal chat about my progress, and any issues which i may have. I feel that that is really important as it shows that my manager is aware of any issues, but also aware of anything which I have done really well! Internal recognition at Capgemini is fantastic, as due to the reviewing system, it is very difficult to not be noticed if you are progressing well. There are always projects or events which are open to anyone, which are a really good networking opportunity or an opportunity to learn new skills. I feel very valued by Capgemini.

The induction week was very well structured and proved a fantastic way to get everybody to know each other and for me to get to know Capgemini. The training, also known as Accelerated Learning Environment (ALE), was one of the toughest experiences of my life, but also a really good experience. It was a really good way to get up to speed, and it is amazing how much you manage to learn in such a short space of time. I also made some really good friends on ALE, some of which you may end up working with. The university degree is good, but could do with more organisation as it is difficult to understand what is going on, and what i need to do as a student to keep up to speed with the programme. I have only been on 1 on campus day so far (the rest has been long distance learning) but i also felt that the on campus day was poorly organised and our time not fully utilised.

I receive a reasonable amount of support from the university, as if i email with an issue or a question, i usually get a very fast response. Again, I feel like the support could be better if it was more organised. Feedback can be very inconsistent for assignments, as it can often take a long time for feedback, sometimes feedback is too vague, and other times it can be the complete opposite and very picky.

Support from my employer is fantastic. I was assigned a buddy in my team on Day 1, who is a Capgemini graduate. This was a really good idea as it meant that I had someone to go to with questions who I may not necessarily feel comfortable asking my manager. I feel like if i had an issue, there a several different people I could happily go to, knowing that the issue would be dealt with well.

I believe that my salary is more that fine for my experience and grade at the moment. Capgemini offers a fair expenses scheme, meaning that you can claim certain expenses from work-related travel.

As an apprentice, I have received many opportunities to get involved with GAP (Graduate Apprentice Programme) activities, such as charity events, competitions, and nights out.

Yes

Capgemini is very much a people focussed company, and it really shows. Their apprenticeship is one of the best options, in my opinion, for someone who does not want to go to university. You gain the knowledge you would if you did go to university, as well as professional experience and a really healthy salary.

My main advice would to be yourself. It sounds cliché, but if you be yourself through the application, without trying too hard to tick the boxes, it will all come more naturally. The application process can seem very scary to begin with but, in retrospect, it is actually quite a fun process. The assessment centre is a fantastic experience, and really gives you an insight into what work will be like as a Capgemini apprentice.