Software Engineer Review

I'm a Software Engineer that develops Web Applications using React and other modern front-end development frameworks. I'm more involved in the front-end development aspect, which means that I'll often be building User Interfaces while also focusing closely on the User Experience. I thoroughly enjoy this and it's something that I myself chose to go into, as Software Engineering itself can be quite a broad subject. I feel quite lucky that my manager was understanding and happy to help me progress in a field that I'm quite enthusiastic about.

I have developed a lot of communication skills while in the workplace, working with stakeholders, proposals and so much more (soft skills) as well as physical skills (coding) like JavaScript, React.js, and AWS. I've learnt more in a year than I could have ever imagined. It has also helped that I've been involved in some production-level applications which has helped me see what the industry-standard tools are, so that I can build myself a roadmap of what to learn next.

I will recommend an Apprenticeship to most people nowadays, it's a brilliant place to learn and also get that true-to-life experience. I'm more of a hands-on learner myself with an entrepreneurial side, which works brilliantly with myself. It doesn't feel as tense and long-winded as a regular degree with no work experience would feel, I would imagine.

I think overall organization from the employer's side has always been brilliant and I have to say we have probably one of those most proactive youth talent teams I've seen. From the learning provider's aspect, it can be a little hit or miss, where I often simply won't know what is going on. I think they may still need to get used to working from home, whereas some companies (like Vodafone) have had a rather smooth shift.

Whether it's taking time off for my 20% Off-the-Job, or asking general technical questions, my Line Manager has always been extremely helpful. As far as actual logistics go, the Vodafone Youth Team has been very responsive and helpful with any questions as well. I feel as though I am fully supported to progress through my Degree, but also given difficult enough tasks to learn from at work as well.

I find that with Blackpool & Fylde College, the overall learning sessions are quite useful as they go over the actual assignment (straight to the point). There are certain areas to improve in terms of communication with pupils, keeping them informed on Assignment deadlines, statuses, and so on. I often feel lost after I've submitted my assignment as I don't get any further communications after that. Apart from that, actual preparation towards the *beginning* of the assignment has been satisfactory and there's nothing bad I can say about that!

Working as a Front-end Engineer, I'm exposed to a rather specific technology stack. This means that for the majority of the time, that technology stack won't be aligned with the one on my Degree. I do expect that, and I know that you can't please every type of Software Engineer, but I do think that a lot of the material is based on every day "generic" Software Engineer, whereas most Software Engineers will *always* go into a specific field, whether that's Full-stack, Front-end or Back-end. For that reason, I currently don't feel as though the Degree is adding anything to my current field of work, as the learning I do on the job completely exceeds what I learn through my Degree

Absolutely, there are ways to get involved via Hackathons or inclusivity events or just helping out other members of the organization run a meeting for over 300 participants. There's always a way to meet other members and expand your network if you want to. There are also sometimes learning events that are paid for.

Yes

It's quite an inclusive place to work, you won't meet the same type of person more than twice, which is a relief. It means that you get a variety of opinions and views which has helped me personally learn a lot more than I would've at a less diverse company.

Just be yourself, because Vodafone is quite inclusive of all. Also, don't be afraid to be proactive and come up with your own solutions and sometimes even projects. Most managers and senior leaders will be open to new ideas on how to be better and faster. No idea will be unheard.