Software Engineer Review

Assigned to a project working with the client to deliver the objectives defined in the proposal and plan. As an apprentice, the experience hasn't been restricted to undertaking roles just in the software engineering expertise, and roles have been varied across multiple fields including business architecture, data analytics, IT consultancy, and others. Key skills required to perform the role on a day-to-day basis are effective communication, time management, technical understanding and knowledge, presentation abilities, and adaptability.

I have learnt a massive amount since being on the apprenticeship program, and I often have to take a step back to appreciate how much I have been exposed to. The demands of the daily challenges are making me a much more technical person, which was the aim for me at the start if the apprenticeship, and a number of new skills have been developed.

The enjoyment of the probably would have to be set at about half of the maximum possible satisfaction. The skills being developed, the people being met and the opportunities are fantastic - however there are some things which make the programme less enjoyable. This includes the difficulty of the degree alongside a full-time job, the quality of work required when inexperienced, the salary feeling below what would be considered a more reasonable amount, challenges of taking advantage of internal activities and events being organised when on a client-site project. However, there are a lot of positives as early mentioned.

The programme is structured fairly well, although there does feel like a lack of time to balance the degree with the full-time job. I have normally dedicated a day a week to complete uni work, however for most of the year this day is occupied by the actual university lectures themselves, and I find myself working an 8+ hour shift, then having to spend 2-3 hours a night at least in the final weeks of assignment deadlines just to stay on course, so it feels like there could be a better structure to support 12+ hour shifts all in all, particularly as the assignments and the job are both highly demanding.

The support on offer when on a project is great, it feels as if you can reach out to your team, team leads, other contacts away from the project if there is a problem etc. As for general apprentice support, if there is a particular problem there are definitely helpful people to contact, but I would say the programme would be improved by more consistent check-ins, as we can feel slightly separated from our employer when it comes to uni work, the balance between work and uni work, and just general problems. Therefore the support only arrives when there is a genuine concern. It could maybe be more proactive to potential problems arising, than just reactive when a problem has occurred. But overall, I do definitely feel supported.

Again the support is there if needed, particularly if there is a concern to which I have had to reach out. The advice has been provided and enabled me to continue and get past whatever the hurdle was. The programme would benefit from regular check-ins, even if it was just a fortnightly quick message to ask how things are, but people are busy and given they are on hand for any major concerns, the support is definitely fine.

This depends on how well the project work aligns to the university course, as I feel as if my role would be much better performed if I was able to study the degree in a different pathway. I.e. if an apprentice is working on a security project, the cyber security pathway would provide much better in terms of ability to perform the role, or the data analytics pathway for a data analyst. I feel as if learning the software engineering when not in a software engineering role doesn't maximise the potential scope of development, however it does provide good technical knowledge for general use. However, the training provider courses as a whole have been very beneficial so far, and have certainly helped me in my role.

Yes - lots. Whether that be sport, networking, social, etc. The only challenge is finding the time/capacity to make the most of these when on a project as the client is really the priority and it can feel difficult to take part in the good work done. But there is plenty going on which is great to see.

Yes

There are lots of fantastic people here, and there are a number of opportunities. It feels as if there is a whole world within Accenture to explore, although sometimes it can feel tricky to make the most of all of it, particularly as an employer of a regional branch rather than a delivery/technology centre.

To have a set pathway that they would like to pursue to help them align to the right groups, leads, events etc that are available - whilst still being open-minded about other avenues to explore. Also, to be very presentable, a good person to be around, and always willing to help other employers as one of the best things at the company is being supported by people who are really willing to try and help you out.