DevOps Engineer Review

I am a DevOps Engineer working for a Public Sector client. My role involves the maintenance and improvement of the Elastic Stack we host on the client's AWS infrastructure. I am also a degree apprentice, studying the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree at Exeter University.

Before I started at IBM, I had zero knowledge or skills relating to DevOps. I was involved in a three month bootcamp to learn about DevOps, before being deployed to a client project.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on. The ability to do the same job with the same responsibilities as regular employees, whilst being paid to study a university degree is an amazing experience. The breadth opportunities both within and outside your day to day roles are second to none.

I feel there is a great structure on my programme. I am dedicated one day a week for university study, which is recognised and accommodated by project managers at IBM. Deadlines and roadmaps of your career are well communicated, detailing how you can shape your career during your time as an apprentice and beyond.

I feel there is great support from my employer. Both my project manager and apprentice manager are supportive and accommodating of my degree apprenticeship, and are always approachable if and when any issues or concerns arise.

There is a great support network from the university. All degree apprentices are assigned a university mentor, who is always available in case of any concerns or queries, and who we have meetings with every term to discuss progress. The lecturers are also approachable and accommodating

Whilst I find the majority of the course content interesting, a lot of the content is not relevant to my day role due to the vast array of technical roles the degree caters for. However, the course content certainly helps me perform better as a professional, for example through the Systems Development modules, which focus on software programming.

IBM has a broad range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. For example, there are multiple Business Resource Groups and social groups such as Foundation BAME and the Apprentice Community. Various social and networking events run throughout the year, with these continuing in a virtual fashion throughout the pandemic

Yes

IBM is a great company to work for. There is a large support network for apprentices, graduates, interns and regular employees. As an apprentice, you are treated like any other employee - you are never made to feel that being an apprentice holds you back from achieving your full potential

IBM are investing in you as a person when they employ you as an apprentice, rather than just looking at your previous grades. Ensure your passion shines through during the interview and assessment centre stages - don't worry about the experience you have/haven't got - just be yourself!