Software Engineer Review

Software Engineer Daily Tasks/ responsibilities: - Software Development - Software Testing (System Test/ Component Test) - Specification changes - Fixing defects Interactions: Daily scrum meetings with feature team; developers, testers, technical leads, requirements managers. Working cross services means I have interactions with other teams within the DG.

I have learnt multiple skills since being on the apprenticeship including Java, SQL/ PLSQL in addition problem solving skills, professional practice and computer fundamentals. Since being in my role I have learnt more computer languages such as coolGEN and UNIX, in addition I have further developed my SQL/ PLSQL skills. Naturally I have expanded my knowledge on the software lifecycle also.

I am enjoying the program thoroughly, the work in ensuring I develop my technical knowledge proficiently, I'm constantly learning new things. The team I am working within are excellent, the support is always there if I need it, there is enough opportunity also to ensure I am consistently challenged to use the skills I have learnt along side the apprenticeship. The company culture is very refreshing and reassuring that there is always someone there to help and support. I feel a real sense of team work ethic whether it be someone on my direct team or someone outside my team. The program excels my expectations, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be on the program, learning the skills sets available and being able to put what I'm learning into practice in my day-to-day job. I am really enjoying my time on the program.

The involvement I am provided with makes me feel like a key individual inside my day-to-day role and outside, even though I am quite new to the area people are always interested to get my opinion if I am involved with a particular project or piece of work. My manager always puts me forward for opportunities and provides me with feedback on tasks I have done whether it be good feedback or ways in which I can improve, I feel the interest is there to benefit me and further develop my skills.

The course is organized and structured well from Capgemini's perspective, they give you as much information as far in advice as possible. Sometimes the university time table is a little unclear and you get mixed messages however the content available for the program which is uploaded into the University blackboard is very useful and gives you most of the information you need to meet each module requirements. The recourses available are very helpful though, mentoring is available for support and help along side studies.

The support provided by the university is good. The material we cover can be quite complex however there are sufficient opportunities to address problems or queries. Sometimes during tutorials there are questions people as and the tutor doesn't always know the answer for such questions like "Are there any mock exams available?" or "Will we expect to see this in our exam?" - this however could just be that we receive this kind of information much closer to exam dates.

Capgemini offer 100% full support, we get given study days meaning that we can always meet out university deadlines and can have revision sessions in our own time. My manager is very understanding with university work and is fully supportive of my studies.

The salary offered us excellent, meeting needs to pay bills/ have a great personal life. Capgemini support with all costs in traveling to university, for those who need it accommodation is available and also any food costs are covered while at university also with the actual cost of the course. I feel like a lot of pressure is lifted by these factors.

There are always opportunities to get involved with activities outside of work. Capgemini as a company regularly look to 'Give back' to local communities but also get involved with popular events which are run up and down the country. Since being on the program I have represented Capgemini in the Apprenticeship show held at the Telford International Centre, here I was on a Capgemini branded stand giving advice and answering questions to potential candidates looking to start an apprenticeship. I have also been put forward to help out at a local Zoo where we have donated money and labor to help build enclosures for animals.

Yes

Because the program puts you on am organized path to better your career and better yourself as a person. The course allows you to excel technically and professionally, I've learnt exactly what I need to, to allow myself to improve in my delivery at work and meet my goals. It's a door opener for opportunity, and as each month goes by you can see your improvements and your able to reflect on what you have achieved and where you can improve.

Tips I would give people prior to starting the course would be to ensure you are as prepared as much as you can. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the expectation of the course. The initial ALE period is quite intense so if you can get ahead of yourself before starting this would definitely benefit, so find out what studies you are going to be doing first and start getting some basic knowledge prior to starting. I would also advise to ask questions, ALE is quite intense and its important you keep organized, if you have problems or things you don't understand the lecturers are very helpful so ask them about anything (even if it seems silly, your guaranteed someone else is probably unsure along with you).