Test Manager Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am currently a test manager, this means that I work with my team to make sure testing goes smoothly and communication is strong between my test team and other teams such as build or environments. I create daily and weekly reports to make sure everyone is up to day with my teams progress as well as work with the customer on estimations for future work.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt all of my skills that I use day to day. I have completed an ISEB in Foundations of Software Testing and am about to attend an ISEB in Test Management. I have learnt my customer skills through internal classes as well as how to manage teams and work together in order to achieve the goal.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love what I am doing, there is no one at my age that I know of who manages and works in a business environment in the way that I do. An Apprenticeship met my expectations and more, I didn't know how much you could do in an Apprenticeship when I first joined and now I have created so many paths that I didn't know existed.

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by IBM?

My achievements are continually recognized throughout my team and also management. I meet with my personal manager for 6 monthly reviews, my work and achievements are praised and I feel proud of myself.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I was given a clear master training plan when I joined and I was able to follow it through, allowing my to achieve my Apprenticeship early

10/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

My training adviser constantly keeps me up today on my progress and helps me make sure I am taking the right steps to carry on

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I am always having work reviews and feedback to make sure I am doing okay. I was given a mentor when I joined but we are also encouraged to find our own mentors in the fields we wish to expand in. There is so much help and support that I have never felt lost or struggled with the challenge of an Apprenticeship

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

My salary is very competitive with the graduates that I work with which I believe is very positive factor.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

10/10

9. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

Remember to be yourself. Just because it is a technology company it does not mean that you have to be techhy, you are able to create your path in whichever way suits you.