Software Test Engineer Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a test engineer and this involves working on a project under development and executing/scripting tests and raising defects associated with these. It involves test preparation for various stages of the development cycle. It also involves getting involved with IBM's testing practice as a whole and the wider IBM community.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt so many skills on my project. I can script tests, execute tests whether they be manually, using automation, different types of tests ie non functional, performance, functional etc. I have learnt a lot of project specific skills which are relevant to my project and the systems we use.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my programme at IBM and not just the day to day job I do but the education I do such as courses and badges etc. I enjoy waking up for work everyday and have definitely found the area I want my career to be in for sure.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is very well organised, I know exactly when and where my courses are and what is required from me for building my portfolio. I have regular meetings with my training provider and I am set work to complete each session and I know why I am being set this work.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support from my employer and from different people. Everyone has my best interests at heart, whether that be my apprenticeship manager, my project manager/team lead or the IBM support team. I am always given the time to do my apprenticeship work and given support and advice for the future.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I receive a lot of support from my training provider but specifically my apprenticeship coach that GKA have provided. I meet with him monthly and every time we meet I am given support and advice and he always wants to help me be in the best position I possibly can be.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My qualification helps me massively in my day role. The training courses we go on are always relevant and always elevate my knowledge and performance in my day job. A lot of the work I do for my training provider involves looking back at work I have done on my project and this allows me to reflect on what I have done and solidify learning.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are a lot of events to get involved in, unfortunately not as much in person as I would've liked but this is of course due to the pandemic- not IBM themselves as an employer. A lot of social break calls are planned, and there are networking events within my practice that I attend.

7/10

9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

IBM is a great place to work, not only socially as I have made a lot of friends but the work is always engaging and pushes me to the next level. I haven't met anyone that I can say hasn't been supportive of me as an apprentice and the company stands for many great things which I can get behind.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

Be yourself. Coming into IBM I didn't have many skills that I thought would apply to a job in IBM but the main thing they care about is you as a person, are you hard working? Can you learn quickly? Do you apply yourself? Sell yourself and your best qualities and you'll excel as an IBMer.