Software Engineer Review

As a software engineering degree apprentice, I study at university (QMUL) two days a week for what amounts to a computer science degree. (The title is Digital and Technology Solutions, but the modules are almost identical to the standard CS degree) The rest of the time, I work as a software engineer at Bloomberg, alongside other engineers and for most purposes I am treated no differently than any other employee. I spend my days at work reading and writing code, discussing ideas, testing/debugging, and writing documentation.

I have significantly developed my coding abilities, and standards, during my time here. I have a mentor who reviews my code, and I'm given challenging problems to solve that impact the business. I'm also included in all meetings and discussions, so my understanding of how larger-scale development works has improved greatly. However, in the first year at least, the university work is fairly simple, and has not challenged me yet. (though this may change in future!)

I love the apprenticeship. Although the university work is not yet challenging, the lecturers have been reasonably engaging, and we are eligible for all other university facilities and benefits (like societies, and student discounts!) so the social aspect is good. At work, the tasks/projects I'm given are interesting and challenging, the team is welcoming and helpful, and I'm treated no differently to all other engineers. (except that I get more support when needed)

There can be a lack of communication between the university and work sides, and as a degree apprentice, systems and rules tend not to be designed for you. On the whole, it's reasonably well done, but there are plenty of times that something is broken because it doesn't know what a degree apprentice is.

I have regular check-in meetings with my mentor and managers, and receive support from my mentor in the form of code reviews and extra help. However, I can also ask anybody on my team for help if I have a problem, and they will at least be able to direct me to the right place to ask.

We receive the same support as any other student. We can ask lecturers for help, attend workshops, and access online resources. We also get access to all university facilities, such as the computer labs and the library, and access to any other buildings we may need to complete our degree.

So far, the university content has largely been very far behind the work we need to do while not studying. Although it can provide a useful foundation, it is otherwise (in this 1st year) very basic, and many parts are not immediately applicable to work. However, this may change in later years.

There are lots of extra activities at work. There are several social groups, from sports to board games, that are set up and run by other employees. There is a large volunteering drive, where you can meet other employees and help out a good cause. We also get invited to professional events sometimes, including apprentice-specific ones. It's also worth pointing out that we get all the social access at university as a normal student, so we can join any society on offer.

Yes

Bloomberg has been an amazing place to work. It's filled with a diverse array of experts, who all work on some really unique problems. As employees, we are treated to standard benefits like healthcare, pension etc., as well as endless free snacks (our "Pantry" never stops being exciting!), discounts on cinema tickets, free access to museums and more.

The application involves multiple interviews, including some that are technical. If you're a bit out of practice solving coding problems, it may be worth having a brief practice before the interviews. Otherwise, answer the questions as best you can, general interview best practices apply! Everyone is very relaxed, it's not formal at all, the process only exists to understand you and your abilities as best as possible.