End-User Mobile Application Developer Review

Strictly I am a software developer apprentice, currently focusing on Android development on in-house bespoke applications, as well as 'chatbots' for tech support, but my day-to-day activities spans a wide range. As soon as I joined the firm, I was immediately recognised for my other skills, and since then alongside learning new skills in software development, I have been able to put the things I am good at into practice, such as: video production, web development, graphic design and much more. I love this because not only does it give me a chance to do what I am already good at and prove myself, but it also allows me to span into a wide array of different business areas and make myself known. On a daily basis I will interact with my team - 3 of them in the UK, one of them in China - but if I ever have an issue that they cannot solve, taking a proactive approach to seek help from someone else in the firm will commonly end you up with meeting new people from around the globe who are always willing to help. My job role is very internal and I don't interact with any of our external clients - my clients are my colleagues.

Absolutely. On-the-job, I have learnt to develop Android mobile applications using the Java skills I obtained at college. I have learnt 4 new languages: Kotlin, C#, Swift and JavaScript, as well as improving my understanding of object-oriented programming ten-fold. Off-the-job, I have attended different courses on software development methodologies and scrum, all incredibly useful.

I love it. The professional environment is exactly where I want to be, and you get exactly that here in a large corporate firm. The culture of the company and everybody's work ethic is just fantastic. It doesn't exceed my expectations as I expected exactly this from a firm like Fidelity, but its perfect and I really enjoy the diversity of my role and the opportunities it presents. I find that if you seek new opportunities, you will find them.

From my manager and my colleagues, I receive constant approval of the work I am doing and the value it is adding to the company. However, not only does reassurance from peers make me feel valued, but the work I'm given and entrusted with really makes me feel like I'm required for the bigger picture.

Very well organised. The courses are well spread out and any help I need through the duration of the apprenticeship is easily accessible.

A lot. The external company 'Firebrand' that run the apprenticeship are very supportive and helpful, especially the facilitator that is assigned to me, who is always around to answer any questions, and has monthly meetings with me to discuss my progress.

A lot. No question is stupid and he is always trying to teach me important things to know even if they don't strictly fall under the job description.

The starting salary is generous and allows me to do a lot of things that if I was a university student I wouldn't dream of being able to afford. Considering my journey to work is around 8 miles I don't have to worry much about fuel costs either.

There's tons of opportunities that Fidelity organise including charity and sporting events. For example, any fundraising you do that Fidelity would deem legitimate, they will match it up to £2000.

Yes

Not only is the opportunity to get fantastic qualifications there, but the main thing would be how incredible the work experience is. You really get to grips with the corporate environment and there are plenty of chances to prove yourself.

Be yourself and be professional. In any group activities cease opportunities to take a leading role, but do not be controlling and be empathetic towards others.