Software Engineer Review

I work as a Software Engineer and on a day to day basis, I tend to develop and operate many services across the company. A main programming language I tend to use throughout my job role is SQL and small amounts of bash/unix. I have been in my apprenticeship for around 9 months now and I already feel like I have the responsibilities of an employee who has worked there for many years. The opportunities are endless

I was vaguely familiar with project management and the lifecycles that projects tend to go through, as well as a few programming languages. However, these were all taught at GCSE and then to A- Level standards, to which I am now able to put into practice at a much more in-depth level. My skills and knowledge within SQL, Java and Visual Studio with C# has boosted massively (even some from simple foundation levels.)

Even though the programme can be quite intense and demanding at times, I do believe that companies (especially Capgemini) who offer these Degree Apprenticeships understand the pressure, allowing a very freeing amount of Study Leave on top of normal Annual Leave, ensuring you are putting your efforts as much into your Degree as your workload. To be given the incredible opportunity to learn and expand on new and current knowledge, then to be able to put it all into practice at the same time whilst getting paid is amazing and the best option I believe is out there.

As mentioned before, my company recognise that we are not only involved in a full time career, but also a full time degree too, it can be very intense. However, the total amount of Leave you are given whilst undergoing this challenge is amazing. I do believe at times there is a slight restraint on communication between training providers and the company which sometimes leads to confusion, but these are easily resolved once raised.

The company don't just offer additional study leave on top of annual leave, but also offer an incredible community of graduates, apprentices and placement students that have been in the same boat as yourself, providing a welcoming and comfortable onboarding process. Not only is this offered to you in the beginning, but also throughout your total period of time undergoing the scheme they offer. On top of all this, you are offered multiple 1-on-1 support options, ranging from a buddy that stays in contact with you even before you join the company for any concerns or queries you may have and then an area-specific buddy that helps you during your team onboarding process.

I have not explored this section as of yet, but I am aware that there are multiple points of contact via the training provider being the university lecturers we have for each module as well as a general person who oversees the communication to employers too.

There are many programming languages that were taught through the beginning of our course that enabled many of us to gain a headstart when joining our team in which we could apply our knowledge gained from the degree into our full-time careers.

As mentioned previously, we have a community for all our graduates, apprentices and placement students to offer a social aspect and a smooth onboarding process in which I signed up to become a member of the team to help out and host social events (currently virtual ones) as well as a gaming channel for those outside of working hours to get involved in.

Yes

Capgemini is the type of company I'd see myself as a determined person of career progression for the long-term. The company offers so many different career paths and opportunities, where your opinion and actions are valued and listened to.

Be yourself, show your passion and show your dedication to your career aspirations as well as your respect for those around you. Capgemini looks for flexibility, adaptability, innovative people that aren't afraid to make a difference.