Software Engineer Review

I work as a software engineer. I create and build web applications for both internal and external clients. I use multiple languages including HTML, JavaScript, CSS, React, Typescript and C#. Each day I build features that are required for the application which are then reviewed and approved by other members in the team.

Yes. I came into the team without any experience in software development and no coding abilities. Over the past few months I have been learning a vast amount of languages used by the team and putting this into practice through working on a small project led by apprentices and graduates in the team.

I enjoy the experience I have been having on this programme. I like that I have had the ability to have had so much learning time with no expectations of having to pick something quite complex up immediately. There are also areas of my work where I am able to use the things I have learnt on my degree to help me which is nice.

I think to an extent it is fairly well organised. I am usually aware of things that are happening in terms of timetable and lectures as well as internally. However, I think it started off far more organised in the beginning and it has now gotten slightly less organised. There's quite a bit of information that we aren't told and it ends up coming out when its too late.

When I ask for support I have always received it. However, the disconnection between my apprenticeship management team and then my performance manager in my working team is quite distinct. There is a lack of communication between the two and this can impact on the support that we receive as my performance manager doesn't have all the information that they need.

I receive a fair amount of support from BPP. Most lecturers are good at providing extra support outside of lesson time and are usually quick to respond to any queries that we have. The management team for BPP are also really helpful in any other queries that we may have for example when we find out our results. They were really supportive when I had my assessment for dyslexia.

In the beginning, the modules I studied in first year didn't offer any help with my day-to-day work as they were not relevant to what I was doing. however, as I have begun second year I have begun to use things that I have learned at uni in my work.

There are a variety of clubs that you can join at my work including football, African-Carribean network, Womens network and the drama club. There is more of an emphasis on the networking events, with additional training on these sorts of activities. There could be more sporting activities set up in work that more people would find interesting to join.

Yes

I think KPMG is a good place to work. It is one of the big top 4 accountancy firms so it has great exposure and experience. It also allows you to rotate around the teams in order to find the right place that you want to start your career in.

- Make sure that you show an interest in the company - For the interview make sure you fully prepare, they will ask questions on why you want to join KPMG but also why you would be a good candidate - Try and join one of the discovery programmes available for year 12s in summer where you get 1 week work experience