Network Engineer Review

I joined this apprenticeship as a Network Engineer working within the Network Operations department. Initially, as expected I did not have much to do. Originally I started off maintaining and assisting colleagues with a few spreadsheets, but this quickly changed where I was given a large project involving around 50 node site servers and 1,200 routers across the EMEA. On a day to day basis, I work on creating records of servers and routers on the network management system, install RPMs on servers and take care of customer router installations. I've been given the responsibility to manage the large complex project and I make sure that I keep track of progress on it. My role involves talking to many people across a variety of departments and ensuring that the process of changing a router or server goes smoothly.

Yes, I didn't realise that I could manage such a large project so well while doing other things at the same time. I've also been able to get to grips with Linux servers, Cisco routers and Juniper routers at the same time and this continues to develop. At StepForward (the training provider) I've learnt some presentation and communication skills. I've also gained some qualifications by doing the Level 3 Infrastructure Technician course certified by BCS.

Bloomberg's culture is quite underrated. Compared to other companies that I've visited, its a really great environment, there is always someone to talk to and the majority of people are happy to help you and are friendly. Workload is manageable and does not cause stress as long as you do it . The team I was placed into were great and I'm glad I'm with them. 6 months later, the programme has met my exceptions.

I do feel quite valued. At the beginning of the year I had a very rocky start, but my team and my manager supported me through it to the stage where I am now. I've had the support that I needed to get my up to speed on managing my projects and I've been given lots of responsibilities for alot of routers and servers. I continue to get involved in more things on a day to day basis. The only slight downside is that at times it can get very busy within the department, so it can be slightly difficult to get help when needed, especially when I don't want to interrupt other important things.

Well, Bloomberg's side of the programme was quite structured, we had a few induction days to get all the other apprentices to get to know each other, but more could have been done such as apprentice day outs or other events. On the training provider side, StepForward has been a bit of a mess, we have had a few delays with our exams and modules and I'm worried that I might not be able to finish the apprenticeship on time for university, but we shall see. Also, sadly our mentor/tutor has left and he was great so I'm not sure how things will be with out new one, but lets see. StepForward had quite a high turnover of staff members so its hard to build a proper relationship with the staff.

Well, as I said above, at StepForward there was quite a high turnover so it's kind of hard to build a relationship with just one person. I'm still quite sad that our mentor/tutor who was with us from the beginning is leaving but I'll get over it. There are a few staff members that are friendly and can support you with any problems if you want and there is lots of contact numbers / safeguarding numbers for staff or professionals ready to help. In terms of the actual work, there is not much support, especially with the EPA coming up and our portfolio building, its more like do it yourself and we will check it, rather than, lets work with you and your employer to see how we can build your portfolio up.

On the flip side, at work, I feel that I am really supported well by my colleagues and my manager. They are like a pillar and a safety net for me - If I cause a server or router to go down, I can easily reach out for help and they will assist me with getting it back up or what actions I need to do. With my project, my colleague helped me through every single step and I don't think I would have been able to manage without him. We've started to automate parts of it and its going great. There is a HR team available for any personal or work issues but I haven't personally needed to contact them. I went into discussions with my managers and colleagues if I should stay on the year after or go to university and I got a variety of views. They helped me to make my final decision of going onto university.

It was really nice to find that Bloomberg pays a decent wage to its apprentices. Its not too little or its not too much. Especially turning 18, everything within the finance world comes popping up to you.. credit cards, loans and overdrafts, and its quite rewarding being able to maintain all of that because of the decent salary that I am given. As I live in central London, the travel costs, living expenses and social costs are all covered. I have quite a bit left which I always put to savings. Bloomberg also has the benefits compensation package where I think they match 3% of whatever you contribute to your pension and other benefits such as health and dental, but I haven't personally signed up for it.

Bloomberg promotes their Philanthropy and volunteering programme which is great and I hope to sign up to one of their events before the end of the year. I hope that they would have more events for the apprentices in the future. Sometimes our training provider would have 'Step Days' for the whole cohort. The networks department often has a few party and social events that everyone gets invited to, which is great too!

Yes

For sure without a doubt. Starting your career in such a company is great to have on your CV and for the future too. If you're going to university, you will have a head start against other candidates, and if you're planning to move on to another company afterwards, getting a job is not going to be hard, even with the experience behind you. Also the pantry is great lots of free food available to employees, with the occasional snack. Bloomberg provides breakfast and dinner (which I am yet to try) which is really good. You don't usually find a pantry in other companies. Its also brilliant that you can bring some guests to show off the building to. The building really is high-tech and sustainable. The desks can go up and down, the toilets are vacuum powered and all the lights are LED powered, which takes a time to get used to as there are so many individual lights buts its fine. Finally there is Bloomberg branded stationary which anyone can always help themselves to which is great.

Make sure to apply and look out for the opportunity to work at Bloomberg as soon as possible. Get your CV checked by teachers, friends or family and keep refining it and adding more to it, as much as you can. Anything you have done at school or in your free time you can highlight it on your CV, the managers love it. Do some research into Bloomberg before you join, get the basic facts; 19,000 employees worldwide, 325,000 terminal subscribers etc. There are quite a few stages before things actually get serious leading to the interview day, there is first the introduction to Bloomberg day, then there is the day where you hear about the different departments, then it is when you send in your CV, you come in for a team building challenge with the other apprentices applying for various roles. In that team building challenge we had a marshmallow building tower scenario where we couldn't talk. Its quite fun, but also quite a bit of pressure as the managers watch you. Once you get through that stage, you then are invited for interviews. For my job role, I went through 3 different interviews with different Team Leaders within the department so that they get a different view of how you are. I finally reached an interview with the global EMEA manager who was really nice, it was just a casual conversation. Once you get in, congratulations :) Do some prepping for your new job role for the year and keep an open mind, don't give up so easily, you will have some good and bad days, and you are not alone, everyone goes through it. Most importantly, socialise and make connections! Add everyone on Linkedin and build your personal portfolio, get your name out there.