Software Test Engineer Review

As a tester, it is my job to test software with the tools I am taught to use with my training provider and also by my company. I typically apply the basic knowledge I have to testing everyday and carry out multiple tests within a day. I am given full support by my colleagues so that if I need help I am able to check with my other co-workers. This is my role in a nutshell.

Since I joined straight from college with no relating knowledge to testing, all skills which I have, have been gained from the work I do inside of my role. I was taught from a foundation level up and given the right level of knowledge to be able to build upon this foundation through practical work. Th skills we learn in the class room are put into practice in my day to day at my job

I have thoroughly enjoyed this programme so far as it has taught me everything I needed to know to be able to fully qualify. It is my hope that I will achieve more than just a pass, with the knowledge and support I have been given. I have enjoyed the experience not only because of the people I have met but also because of the skills I have pick up from those people who have helped me.

My programme is very organised as it follows a very accurate timeline which has the dates of all the courses and the work which needs to be done inbetween those courses which help give a structure to the apprenticeship. I have found that because of this organised timelines, it has allowed me to progress at a pace where I felt comfortable but also growing in this environment. I have been able to stick closely with those timelines.

Alongside the support I gain from my apprenticeship, I have been given the resources from my employer to receive the right amount of support. This includes regular meetings to check in on my progress and make any arrangements if I need extra help. This also means that I am able to contact them with any concerns that I may have regarding my learning. I have been fully supported and guided since my start date with my employer

Similarly to my employer, my training provider gives me the help and support I need also on a monthly basis, with the ability to contact them any time in-between for me to ask for any help. They give me the right materials to be able to not only succeed but excel in my qualifications. I have been in regular and close contact with my training provider who help me organise and prepare my work every month.

Without the basic knowledge I have received from my training provider, I would not be able to carry out my daily responsibilities. They have given me the resources and the learning, which I still continue to receive, to be able to do my job well. Not only this but, I am able to contact them with anything I might come across in my day to day role which is testing related, like a term, so that they can help me.

I am a very active extra curricular individual. I take part in many extra curricular activities such as BAME events, and being an ally to other communities within the workplace. There also also many social events like games which I take part in as a way to take a break from work. For example, because we are remote we have found a way to connect with each other using online games which we can all play.

Yes

IBM has changed my life. I thought that without I would end up nowhere because of where I am from and the qualification I have, but I was not only able to find myself but also find a passion. IBM has helped me achieve more goals personally and professionally in the short time that I have been there compared to what I had achieved over 5 years outside of this job. The work ethic is outstanding and the level of support is incredible

One piece of advice I would give to someone applying to IBM is to be very open to new opportunities and be prepared to be uncomfortable in your learning. This meaning that when we are comfortable it is difficult to grow, but when we feel most uncomfortable is when we learn and expand our minds the most. So it is important to challenge yourself constantly and never staying in one place for too long, because theres always room to grow.