Software Engineer Review

I work as a software engineer within the Microsoft delivery team. Currently, I am working on the migration of SharePoint 2010 sites to Capgemini SharePoint online. This means that my current daily tasks are regarding SharePoint such as organising site migrations and interacting over emails. I am also in joint responsibility over the SharePoint CoE EARs queue which is a monitored queue of user issues with SharePoint, which are they picked up by myself and resolved. Everyday, we have a daily stand up to discuss the teams progress and discuss any blockers we may have.

Since starting at Capgemini 4 months ago, I have already been on one training course to develop my .Net skills, with another training course scheduled for next month. I have also participated in a lot of internal training with staff, which has included shadowing other members of staff and organising meetings to transfer skills. So far, my understanding of SharePoint has developed quite substantially, and my basic understanding of the .Net framework.

I have been in the business for 4 months so far, and I feel my understanding of modern technologies has definitely developed. In particular, my understanding of SharePoint has developed significantly due to using it on the job and having to work on a project primarily based around SharePoint. I feel I am a very innovative and enthusiastic person and sometimes I feel the pace of which I am learning is a bit slow. I feel like I want to develop my knowledge quicker and learn more, and as a result, I sometimes find myself a bit bored doing repetitive things.

I feel Capgemini is a very big organisation, but its understanding and appreciation of apprentices is very good. Capgemini really value their GAP employees, and I feel this is demonstrated by the appraisal the GAP scheme receives. It is very well structured and my introduction to Capgemini was very good.

The induction to the programme was excellent. We spent a week getting to know other apprentices and building core Capgemini employee skills, and this was a great introduction to my career at Capgemini. The structure of the 8 week advanced learning environment was excellent, and the pace was often challenging but I came out feeling much better equipped for my role within Capgemini. I often feel that the distance learning from Aston University could be improved, as the structure is not always clear. I have also found that the support meetings/probation meetings between me and my line manager have not occurred, and this has left me feeling confused at my career direction as an apprentice.

During ALE, the support from the two key tutors was excellent. Often, I would email and get an almost instant response regarding issues with the content I was covering. Similarly, my relationship with my tutor for my reflective journal module has been great and I feel that the guidance and support has been brilliant. As for support regarding other University modules, I haven't really experienced this yet as I have only just stepped onto the degree programme, but if it is anything like the two modules I have already began, I am rest assured it will be supportive.

Within my team, my mentor is very supportive and ensures I am comfortable completing the work I am given. I often find myself struggling with new technologies, and the support I have at hand makes it easy to approach people within the team so I don't find myself struggling. My manager is also very approachable and I always feel comfortable discussing any issues or problems which I may have. I find that having an approachable manager makes it a much more enjoyable work place for me, as this ensures I am never left struggling.

I live a short 15 minute drive from my Capgemini office, so spend very little on travel costs. Similarly, I am fortunate I can still live with my parents which ensures my living costs are low. I feel if I lived by myself, the salary would make it difficult to also enjoy having a social cost, but because of my circumstances, I am able to enjoy the money I earn. I find I have more disposable income than my friends, as they are full time students at University. This has meant I am able to put money away each month to save for a deposit for my first house which I hope to have by the end of the programme.

As an apprentice, we are encourage to do many activities outside of work. These include apprentice talks, and social events such as nights out and social meet ups. This makes it easy to meet other apprentices, but can sometimes be challenging to balance with work and university work. Capgemini also offer things such as discounted gym membership and other benefits which ensures there is a work/life balance.

Yes

The opportunity to earn whilst you learn in an opportunity not to be missed. I am currently studying for a BsC at Aston University, whilst also getting a salary every month to which I can enjoy. It can be difficult to balance both University work and Capgemini work, but the rewards are outstanding if youre willing to put the effort in. I feel I've learnt a lot about myself since moving into the work environment, and this has helped me to mature as a person into a somebody who will hopefully be an IT professional within Capgemini.

The application process is quite long. I remember applying end of June and not being offered a position until early September. This meant I didn't start for Capgemini until November. My first advice would therefore be apply early. My second and most valuable piece of advice would be, be yourself. During my assessment centre, at no point did I try be somebody I wasn't, and I think that's what got me here today. I was confident in myself, and ensured I was never at any point trying to compete with others to be somebody I wasn't.