Software Engineer Review

Daily tasks include Software Engineering. This involves Requirements Gathering, Coding, Unit Testing, System Testing and Releases. Version control, project management, customer facing opportunity, big and fault fixing. Coding in C#, PL/SQL, SQL predominantly, but opportunity in Java, JSON etc. Working on front end and back end. There are two main products in my department amonsgt others, and I work on one of them.

I have learnt many skills, particularly because you get the opportunity to do a bit of everything. I have learnt to code in C#, basic database admin in SQL and PL/SQL and pl/sql programming. I have also had exposure to Oracle APEX. Have completed a project management qualification through work too.

I enjoy the variety of programming, and the fact I get to be involved in front end and back end -although there is less expertise across the team in front end (so much of that is self taught). Majority of code is either C# or PL/SQL, anything more is self learnt.

Very well structured - the modules are split into termly blocks so you know when one term will start and end, means you can organise your study time around your day job. The course is flexible, and I took a year out and came back to complete my course. Each 'year' is approximately 15 months long.

When asked recently for support around Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, I was put onto the Google Cloud Training that was being rolled out at the time. I also was free to ask for additional training, such as a project management Qualification. I have access to LinkedIn Learning for additional support.

The ACE team help with assignment and coursework writing. You also have a skills coach who you see termly. 2 weeks before assignment deadline you are able to submit a draft copy of your assignment for 1/3 review by your course tutor. Out of office hours are also available outside of workshops and seminars.

I get a broad knowledge of lots of different areas of Digital/IT. This means that I can have an appreciation for a variety of areas, and then can choose optional modules to areas that interest me more. I feel as though the coursework and work based project assignments are designed to blend well with your current job role/organisational requirements.

There are occasional social activities, although these have decreased over the years. I would like to see more extra-curricular activities. In the past we have had bowling events, team building events, christmas games, dinner/drink nights, football games on the green. I haven't attended any professional networking events, and dont hear of any often in my departments.

No

At the beginning of my time I would have said yes, however there have been big changes in the company, particularly the merge of a small organisation into a much larger - this has had an impact on how small teams work together, and has made processes less agile and more process driven. There doesn't seem to be much scope to move up within the company, and little benchmarking has been done in my department.

Make sure that you express your desires and personal career development plans - there is little emphasis on this once you have joined. Request training in areas that interest you. We are encouraged to find ways to improve processes, policies, and practices - so don't be afraid to speak up! Ask about what projects/products you will be working on, and if there is scope to work on other projects/areas of work.