Software Engineer Review

My role requires me to be very independent. I attend 3-5 meetings per day with different teams within my department. I plan my workload personally using a flow page which helps keep track of where I am at with certain pieces of work (there can be multiple at once). I liaise with my manager and team members daily and when needed. I plan my days to include off the job learning too. When I don't understand something I setup meetings with SME's and take notes to absorb their knowledge. My job itself requires lots of planning. At the moment I am a test automation developer so understanding the new features of the product and covering them with automation code to make sure they function to the advertised level. This means I have to plan out what code I am going to write and this can be tedious.

I have learnt: Leadership, Teamwork, Independence, Confidence, Presentational Skills. I would say that I have developed my software development skills massively. I always used to code anyway before my apprenticeship but I couldn't envision the amount my complexity would increase due to joining this apprenticeship. I have got a passion to work now and I am not sure that is something I would realise I would ever have.

At the moment, my apprenticeship learning has not started. This is due to start University in Exeter first year in September. This is because our induction date was November so we had to rollover a year. I have learnt to become a sustainable full-time employee, and am contributing lots to a real team. I cannot wait to start my apprenticeship officially as I know I will just love it as much.

So we have two managers (EPM (People Manager) and our Task Manager (Day-To-Day) ) This means that they are separate and requires communication with both. I feel that I would sometimes rather have just my Task Manager, managing me as I am so engrossed in the work I am doing, I want to feel more apart of that team rather than bouncing between my actual department and the Early Professionals Foundation team. This isn't a huge problem however is just a preference. I was the first apprentice in my actual team and the demographic is a lot older so apprenticeships aren't really knowledgeable there. I came in with previous tech knowledge but needed to know stuff about my product. My Task Manager had never managed an apprentice and I could see this, however he still went above and beyond to get me training and also make sure I knew who to go to. I feel he did a superb job as I feel instrumental in the team now and feel so confident just 9 months in :)

If I ever need anything there are people there. We have lots of different societies such as Mental Health, Ethnic Minority, LGBT+ etc. I feel if I ever needed someone to talk to then I could reach out to societies like these to get advice and also settle me. In general though, I receive lots of support. If I am ever stuck and need help I have multiple mentors in team (and out) who I can go to. I feel the managers do quite a lot to praise you as if you have anything to celebrate you always get a nice email congratulations on a piece of work etc.

N/A as I haven't started yet but the application process for Exeter has been amazing and managed entirely by our EPM who manages the university admissions. I just know the support will be fantastic. I have already started doing off the job training such as working towards courses which credit you with a badge / certificate. I have done around 100 hours of off the job learning this year and the support is always there when needed!

N/A

Yes, there is a massive apprentice and intern community which we get involved in. We have had off site parties and nights out which really help break the ice and get to know people. We have other activities such as touch Rugby, 5 a side football, tennis, pool, table tennis, gaming etc. We also have professional networking events which happen every now and then within foundation (apprentices) where we do ice breakers and also have round tables about the apprenticeship and ask questions about pay rises and promotions and that sort of topic.

Yes

It is just the best place to be. I love working and never thought I would have a passion like it. The pay is great and rewarding, and there are so many opportunities to learn heaps of things, and also grow. I am so glad I chose IBM and would absolutely recommend to a friend. The support is fab and next to any other company, stands out massively.

Just be yourself. I couldn't think of anything else as this is what IBM looks for. Not grades on paper but the person you are. Academics always mean something, but passion and interest is something to show in your application because that is what IBM wants in their teams.