Software Engineer Lead Review

I have now evolved into a Software Engineer Lead within a third Line application support team for a large government contract. My role is very challenging due to the broad type of applications I am responsible for/consulted on and the amount of ‘hats’ I wear as part of this role. Every day is different to say the least but my core role involved picking up calls for applications I look after when a user is unable to carry out their intended task or would like something changed. I then will spend time retracing the users steps to find out how things went wrong as a technical investigation and eventually be able to put it right either via a code change, an operational change or a database fix. In addition, about 30% of my time is spent working on ongoing projects in order to enhance various applications our client uses and manage the cycle to implement these changes. Furthermore I am responsible for the mentoring of two junior colleagues which involves giving advice & guidance to everything from their day to day technical struggles to insights in career progression paths and helping them get the opportunities they need to achieve. Finally I play a part in managing the software library of the account for up to a thousand applications and take part in various charitable activities that Capgemini exposes me to. So it is fair to say that I am kept pretty busy! Outside of work I am very family orientated and practical. I like to stay fit by a variation of outdoor activities including mountain biking and rock climbing.

Within my first 12 months I achieved an Advanced Apprenticeship qualification and the sub qualifications that came with it, along with a software engineering certification. In terms of skills, I have gained an abundance of them from analytical skills, to project management, to team leadership, communication, stakeholder management, incident management, change management, risk analysis and application development. My troubleshooting skills in particular have flourished in this employment and have allowed me to excel my career. I am mostly self taught but am very fortunate of the huge support network available at Capgemini.

It has given me what I feel is a lifetime career with a path that I was most comfortable with. I feel so much more confident in myself and have gained a lot of self worth.

A lot, I have found that Capgemini are a very flexible organisation, they do not challenge under performance in a negative and blunt way but do much to recognise good performance. Most people within your network are happy to provide informal or formal feedback on request and often notice a lot more about your strengths than you think they do.

My initial Apprenticeship programme was 12 months and since then I have driven my own career while assigned to a client and therefore there has been little to no structure from the Apprenticeship programme managers themselves. I acknowledge this has changed in recent years and Capgemini now invests a lot more in the training of young talent.

As above it was a long time ago and a new training provider is now used. Initially I felt the support very poor from QA.

It is sometimes difficult from a personal experience to reach out and ask but the support has always been there from experience, from wellbeing assistance to changes in personal circumstances, flexible working and a good understanding of my own goals.

The salary of course grows with experience but I would feel fortunate enough to say that it exceeds the costs I need for living and would expect it would be sufficient in most parts of the country. I live in Cardiff, South Wales which has a under average cost of living. Capgemini are very willing to fund travel expenses occurred for any travel needed outside of usual duties.

Yes, lots of networking and social activities, Capgemini working with major charities including the Prince's Trust and Children in Need that specialise in helping the disadvantaged youth which is a cause I care deeply about. There are lots of opportunities to visit other school's to share your experiences, support young people with their own application innovative ideas, attend extra training and even work with colleagues to raise substantial money for charities through events including sleep outs, sports days etc. One does have to search these out though.

Yes

Capgemini offers young people an opportunity to work for a world leader in IT services which earning a competitive wage and receiving the training they require. Capgemini recognises ambition and will work with you to meet your own career goals. They offer a lot of support when you need it and can feel more like a close friend than a heavy weight in the IT industry.

Prepare well for interviews, dress to the required attire, relax and be your true self. Capgemini is a very inclusive company so please do not feel that you don't fit the calibre required, they value people for what they can give to the company. Be prepared to travel to accommodate training courses etc and be flexible with your time. This works both ways.