Software Engineer Review

Working on the development team for an IBM product. I take an active role in developing code, writing tests and planning development work with other team members with whom my opinion is valued.

I was experienced at coding when I joined but my skills in that area have been developed further. Most notably I have learnt methods (such as test driven development) for developing production ready code and developed various soft skills that aid in collaboration with a team.

I enjoyed coding before I started so it seems natural for me to enjoy work. I have only met good people and have been given help, appreciation and I have been included despite my experience level. It met my expectations from such a large software company, which were very high.

Induction and training set the expected standard from the company, two weeks at the start of the programme. All apprentices are well supported. Everything is well organised, my day to day job and my apprenticeship only things are kept separate to a degree, it is very well organised.

I have a great deal of support around me, from various sources. Everyone has a good attitude towards supporting me. If there was a problem with a support provider (e.g. my manager) then I would be able to get support elsewhere.

I am given support from my lecturers, they deliver their courses well (with some small variation from module to module). All lecturers are there to provide support and give good guidance.

I am only in my first year which is the foundation year, it has only helped me somewhat. However, looking at the modules for the next 3 years of the course, I can see that the university work will help me in my role more than it has done this year.

The extent depends on where you are based. Where I work they are extensive, given the location. If you worked somewhere in a city then they would be a bit more limited. However the passion IBMers have for their interests will always be brought into extra-curricular activities, regardless of location.

Yes

I truly believe that this company and it's employees are committed to providing more than a good service for their customer, but developing their employees. My manager, my early professionals manager and my colleagues have all shown an interest in helping me to develop, to go where I want to in my career. I am always treated as an individual regardless the skill disparity in my day to day work.

I am not really allowed to help others in the application process for obvious reasons. If you are applying I will say this: work hard during the application and interview process because it will pay off. It is truly worth the effort in showing this company what you are made of in the application process because they will recognise it.