DevOps Engineer Review

From Monday to Thursday, I am based on a client site in Swindon. I work within Digital for a bank. I look for ways to increase the efficiency of teams developing the internet bank and banking app. This requires me to work with the teams to understand their pain points, engage stakeholders to ensure we are working in the most valuable areas, gather requirements from the business and drive people, process and tooling change within Digital.

Coming into the placement, I had no technical knowledge however over the year I have been exposed to a wide range of tools and even developed my own dashboard. The learning process was mostly independent but there was a wealth of resources available to help me with this and people were always happy to make time to support this.

The programme is amazing. You get back what you put in. If you work hard you are not treated as an intern and will be given valuable work to do which directly impacts the client's success. Managers are supportive in helping you explore your interests and finding work which is most valuable to you and the skills you want to develop. Day to day, the atmosphere I work in is incredibly friendly and people are always happy to help.

The induction was an excellent way to introduce everyone on the scheme and more importantly make us feel comfortable before we started in our full-time role. We have had regular meetups to ensure we build a community on the scheme despite being based in different locations. Everyone is allocated an EPM who is able to support you throughout the year and has helped me navigate the expected changes of the workplace including multiple task managers.

I regularly engage with my EPM who has supported me both with my core role and expanding my opportunities by taking on responsibilities within the wider company. I have also gained various mentors who are always happy to help me and make time on a regular basis to guide my career choices, build my skillset and support me in overcoming any challenges I am facing.

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There are plenty of activities to get involved with, our account has a monthly account wide drinks where you are able to meet other young professionals and more experienced professionals including partners. I have found it difficult to get involved with sports events as I am based on a client site however I know the wider company has lots of oppourtunitites

Yes

I have had an amazing year at IBM. I have learned so much. The company culture is amazing, everyone is really friendly and willing to help. People show a genuine interest in your development and your future. There are endless opportunities at IBM no matter what level you are at.

Be yourself during the interview process. The interviewer can see your achievements on your CV so make sure you show what you are like as a person. Once you start, get involved in everything you can, don't wait for opportunities to come to you, go and find projects which interest you to get involved with.