Software Engineer Review

I work in MQ Level 3 Support for z/OS. This involves working on software patches and upgrades for MQ (an enterprise messaging solution), specifically on the zOS platform. In my role, I spend most of my time investigating problems, designing solutions, writing/modifying MQ source code, testing my fixes and then shipping them out as product updates.

I joined IBM with almost no coding skills but have naturally developed those skills in my day to day role. I'd say I'm now a proficient 'programmer' and am able to learn new languages if I need to. It's amazing how quickly you can learn something by using it on the job rather than from textbooks.

My programme was challenging at times but I never felt that it was too much to handle. I very much enjoyed the challenge of the apprenticeship and got a huge feeling of achievement once I completed it. I really enjoyed being able to earn a generous wage for the first time in my life, be useful to my team in my role and gain a substantial qualification at the same time.

I'd say my programme was very well organised overall, however, it did take me a number of months to get my head around the structure of the programme. The programme consisted mostly of coursework based on work I was doing in my day job (which required substantial write up and evidencing), 2 exams which I was required to pass and a week-long end point assessment.

The support I received from IBM throughout my apprenticeship programme was fantastic, I couldn't have asked for any more support from IBM. You get assigned a learning mentor by IBM who help you with anything you need. IBM were very flexible with the amount of time I could spend on apprenticeship work, which varied from week to week and was far more than the standard 20% towards the end.

I received excellent support from my learning mentor that firebrand assigned me. We had regular meetings and kept in close contact throughout the programme. I think that sticking with one learning mentor throughout the apprenticeship is really important so I would like to see more of this from Firebrand. Overall a good level of support was received from Firebrand.

When I joined IBM, I had very little coding experience and no experience in software development. I took a java exam as part of my apprenticeship which really helped me with coding and means that I now feel confident taking on work that requires programming skills. Other soft skills such as communication and organisation have also been a huge help in my role.

Yes, my role is based in IBM Hursley which is a huge campus and home to around 2000 IBMers. The IBM community is very active, it seems like communities and clubs form organically. I've been involved with 3D printing and the running club but there is also a badminton club, weekly HIIT session, board games night and many many more.

Yes

I recommend IBM to my friends all the time for a handful of reasons, first and foremost being the excellent work-life balance that is possible with a career in IBM. This does vary from team to team but I've found the strict 9-5 regime to be non-existent at IBM. I know early birds and night owls that work different schedules based on their preferences. I think that IBM offers a very attractive wage, especially for anyone under the age of 22. I never expected to be earning this much at my age (23). IBM also has a great community of friendly people which makes me feel like an IBMer and be proud to be one.

Most people looking into an apprenticeship with IBM probably don't think they'd get in, their grades aren't high enough, they don't have exactly the right experience, etc... I'd say go for it! Yes, the recruitment process does sound daunting from the outside but in reality, it's nowhere near as insurmountable as it seems. Go for it, apply to the apprenticeship and see what happens. Even if you're not sure exactly what you want to do, I'll let you in on a secret: no one is! The only way to find out what you want to do with your career is to go out and try something. You only stand to benefit from applying.