Software Test Engineer Review

The role of a software test engineer is to coordinate the process for analyzing software programs. This process will involve creating and implementing testing methods, recording the test results, and providing recommendations to improve software programs based on the results. My day to day role consists of speaking with stakeholders from the client to understand their needs and ensure that any testing I do will not be impacted by other work. I will create and execute test scenarios and then analyze them. Using the analysis of the results I can write a report for the client and then advise them from my findings.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, I came into the role with very small knowledge of the job role but in the past year, I have learnt new coding languages, created my own scripts, executed tests, analysed results, created a test outcome report and presented in front of large groups. I have really developed my communication skills, by using effective communication to get my point across and not waffling. I have found that by listening I am able to learn so much more, ii tried to always lead a conversation but I have found its much better to ask a question and then listen to the response.

I really enjoy my programme, I am partnered with people of a similar age so that has really helped with getting comfortable. I am treated as an employee when I am at work and the work that I do produce is valued and this is shown from IBM and our clients. We have coaches who help us in the foundation and they make the process much easier by mentoring and guiding us along our journey.

The programme is very well structured, I have all key dates for courses and exams set out from the beginning. This allows me to focus on my learning as well as my job activities. I am able to plan off the job learning to help develop any skills that I may need to improve. Due to COVID and the changes it has impacted the organisation of some of the courses, the external courses have not always been adjusted to meet the needs of a virtual meeting as much as they could of.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. There are 4 people who I feel comfortable going to and I have two of them checking in on me regularly to make sure that the workload is manageable, by being large enough for me to handle but not overwhelming. I have been paired with two mentors who help me with different aspects of my development, one is very technical and the other is very business orientated to help develop the consulting side of my role.

I am in constant contact with my training provider around meeting deadlines and ensuring that I am on track. They have set up us with great tutors who take the care in making sure that I understand the exams and courses that I am taking. I have monthly sessions with my learning coach who reviews my work and helps to give me feedback on where I can improve. The goals are clear and they have a very good structure.

Using the courses that i have been on so far I would say that they have helped me to understand my role better, there is a lot that I need to learn about the role but I have already got a good understanding of the foundations that are needed for me to be able to perform for a client. As I develop more I hope that the courses will help me to exceed my client's expectations and produce work to a high standard.

There are a lot of activities, we have weekly meetings that are held within our department for a social catch up with a drink like a quiz or fancy dress event. We take part in a corporate games event that I was due to take part in this year but it has been postponed till next year for safety. There are networking events set up for the foundation learners throughout the year so we can meet up and get to know each other as we do not all work on the same clients.

Yes

They have really helped me to develop myself over the last year, they take the time to get to know the applicants, and then when you start they are heavily interested in seeing you succeed. This can be seen all the way to the top where upper management really supports the activities and work that I produce. There are a lot of great people to meet and the work is never boring, there is always something to do so if you find myself doing nothing I can always find work or learning to be doing. They promote a culture of learning and encourage everyone to do learning, it doesn't just stop when you get your qualifications, they want to keep moving and be essential with the times.

Research the business and understand what it means to be an IBMer, knowing what it requires to work for IBM will be a massive boost. They want people to come in with wacky ideas as from these wacky ideas there might be some really good ones or they can be built on from these ideas. It is a long application process but it is worth it, you will be looked after by IBM and they will try their best to make you succeed.