Junior Test Engineer Review

My role is performance testing for a large financial client on the internet bank and banking app. This involves planning tests, deploying software to the performance test environment, checking the environment, executing tests, analysing results and reporting results. I also volunteer on a web development project associated with IBM directly as a front-end developer.

I have learnt the new skill of software testing, particularly performance testing. This means picking up skills in the C language in order to use LoadRunner. I will also be learning Java in order to gain experience in JMeter. I have picked up new skills in React-JS and developed my existing skills in HTML and CSS.

I enjoy the learning sides of the program but sometimes find it difficult to complete all my apprenticeship work in the time that is given due to being expected to volunteer for extra projects. It has been an easy transition to working full time alongside studying for the apprenticeship regardless of timing issues.

We have scheduled learning that takes place externally that is structured and gains us professional exams within the software testing industry. However, there is no other structure for completing off the job hours on a regular basis. A lot of the off the job hours allocation is given to internal courses which do not necessarily match our job roles.

My direct manager on my team for the client (who is also my mentor) is very supportive and has worked with the rest of the team in order to create a knowledge transition schedule so that I'm able to work fully in the team, rather than just as an apprentice. My apprentice manager at IBM provides support and means well but sometimes I feel like her direction is wrong and she is too focused on IBM rather than us individually. I have had no experience with the HR team since joining IBM so cannot comment on the support that they offer.

Our training provider supports us in providing guidance for completing evidence and portfolio assignments. They hand over the majority of our training to a third party who is exceptionally supportive and works hard to make sure we are prepared for our industry exams and have the greatest opportunity to pass them.

The training from the provider does not relate typically to my day-to-day role as it is linked to software testing in general, and particularly functional testing, whereas my role is linked to the niche area of performance testing. I try to link as much of the theory into practice as possible but this cannot always work due to the aforementioned reasons. However, the training does help me to know more about the software testing industry in general.

There are extra-curricular events in IBM but these typically happen at IBM location rather than client locations. We do however try to host pub quizzes with the apprentices on my client. We sometimes have large networking events, however, these are typically aimed at the consultant apprentices rather than the technical apprentices.

Yes

It is a great way to gain skills and confidence that will set you up for a professional career. It is far better than university as it gives more skills and confidence in the workplace, and means you are getting paid rather than getting into a lot of debt. It is a great way to make friends as well.

Do not stress about the tests at the start of the application, they are typically there and difficult to see who is willing to get out of their comfort zone to apply. They want to take on as many people as they can so the interview is to make sure you like IBM as well. Make the most of onboarding and network with everyone there, you will make some good friends and it helps when looking for new roles.