Software Test Engineer Review

I am a functional Test Analyst - I look at requirements, scenarios and test scripts and am involved in the Test Planning stage of the Software Development Lifecycle. I have daily meetings with the team, and discuss issues around the requirements and discuss test strategy. There are seven of us in our team.

New Skills: Functional Static Test, Java and Python, Selenium and Virtuoso, Professional Personal Skills, Requirements analysis and Client meetings, as well as managing meetings both internally and with the members of the team that I am in. Developed Skills: Time Management, Vocal Communication, Written Communication, Working in a Team, Agile Methodology, Design Thinking

I enjoy it a lot - the projects that I am on, and can be on, are interesting and diverse. There is a wide range of skills that I can learn, and have learned, as well as a lot of different roles within test that I can work in, in the future.

This is where I would say that it dips a little - Global Knowledge Apprenticeships have, so far, been quite disorganised. My Career Coach has been great, but the "manager" for the cohort within GKA hasn't been able to book courses in correctly, and then blamed the cohort for getting it wrong etc. IBM Has been great in this respect with trying to sort it out, but GKA hasn't been great.

Loads - IBM are possibly the most supportive employer that I've had. There are loads of educational courses that we can take, and all the managers will give you all the time in the world to make sure that you succeed, and that you are happy and well within IBM.

This is a mixed bag as well - My GKA Career coach has been fantastic, and I can't speak of him highly enough. He is good at helping me achieve my goals, and making sure that I have the support I need to do well. My GKA manager hasn't been so good, and I feel that she is a little disorganised which makes her supporting us difficult.

the qualification allows for deeper knowledge into test, as well as a good broad knowledge of the different areas of test that I need to be aware of. It allows me to think of test in a different way, and allows me to better apply myself in my job role.

Definitely - pre-covid, IBM Hursley had all sorts of clubs: Shooting, archery, karate, running, chess, IOT club, and a "play-room" with ping pong tables etc. Post covid, there are a lot of virtual events, like a virtual horse races events, professional conferences as well as the Business Resource Groups to get involved in.

Yes

IBM Has a great culture, a good work ethic behind it and so many opportunities. There are so many different jobs that you can do in IBM, and there is a great career progression, along with great people that you can work with, sometimes for the rest of your life.

Be true to yourself! The application process is hard, but if you be yourself, work hard and do what needs to be done, there shouldn't be a reason to worry. Learn time management, as well! IBM is fast paced, and so you need to learn how to manage your time well and make every minute count.