DevOps Engineer Review

I am a DevOps Engineer Consultant, and this entails working with IBM's clients to deliver Cloud solutions. I am currently working in a team involved in the maintenance and creation of a logging solution, which receives logs from all servers on the client's AWS estate. I also work with the client to create other solutions in the cloud, such as CI/CD solutions, to improve processes across the project. As a degree apprentice, I work four days a week on my client project, and spend one day a week studing for my degree

When I started in my role as a DevOps Engineer, I had little to technical knowledge. Over the past two years, through an intensive DevOps bootcamp and through my own development on a client project, I am now a capable DevOps Engineer, responsible for creating key client infrastructure single handedly. I have also developed skills through the study of my degree, which have been transferrable to my day role. For example, I have completed multiple modules on Software Development involving the Python programming language, which have come in handy when creating scripts for Lambdas or Cron jobs for the client.

I really enjoy my programme. Firstly, I am getting a degree, whilst working a job and not getting into debt. I am also working a real job - apprentices aren't left to make the tea! (Although, I do make a mean cuppa!). We are trusted by IBM and clients to deliver just like any other employee. There is ample support from management - all managers I have had during my time at IBM have been supportive of my needs and desires.

Very well structured. At IBM, you are assigned a Foundation Manager, who is essentially your line manager and is responsible for supporting you with your apprenticeship and your career prospects. My manager has always answered any of my queries and is always asking how they can support me in my personal development. The university course for degree apprenticeships is very well structured. My course, Digital and Technology Solutions BSc, accredited by University of Exeter, is designed specifically for degree apprentices. This is great, as the programme team understand the pressures of balancing degree studies and a job. You are assigned a university mentor, who sees you through your degree and supports you and IBM throughout the course. Each term, myself, my university mentor and my Foundation manager meet to discuss my progress.

A lot of support. My Foundation Manager and Project Managers are all very supportive about being an apprentice, as well as my future career ambitions. They are continuously asking what they or the project can do to support the programme, as well as my personal development. There are countless support pages as well for various concerns or issues on IBM's intranet, and I have found my managers to always be helpful in pointing to, and expanding upon, these resources where I have required guidance.

The university course I am undertaking is designed for degree apprentices. As such, the programme team understands the pressures of working a full time job and undertaking a degree. At the start of the course, you are assigned a university mentor, and each term you have meetings with your university mentor and IBM manager to discuss progress on the course, as well as discuss any concerns with modules, work-study balance etc.

A lot of the material taught on my course is transferrable to my day job as a DevOps Engineer. For example, I have completed multiple Software Engineering modules, which focus on Python. On my current project, we use Python to support the client when creating Lambdas or Cron jobs for example. Other modules, such as IT project management, are great as they enable insight into how an IT project is setup and how it runs day to day.

Yes - there is an Apprentice Community, which run social and networking events on a regular basis. There are also many other communities which organise sporting events and various other events. Unfortunately, due to COVID, in person events have been quite sparse but, as restrictions ease, there will be more face-to-face events in the near future. There is also ample opportunity to participate in "giveback" opportunities. These are chances to give back to the IBM or local community by volunteering to undertake tasks. This could be designing posters, writing newsletters for your business unit, or creating resources about apprenticeships for school leavers

Yes

IBM is a great company to work for as an apprentice. There are countless opportunities to develop personally and professionally, through the vast amount of projects and opportunities such a large company has to offer. IBM are dedicated to their employees, providing support in their personal and professional lives. IBM has its own department for apprentices, assigning you a manager trained in supporting early professionals.

Be yourself - IBM are investing in you as a person, so its important to be true to you and your beliefs. Remember to heavily research IBM as a company before your interview/assessment day. Knowledge about IBM's history, current business plans and values will go a long way into helping you succeed, and in demonstrating that you are passionate about working at IBM. The same can be said about applying for a position at any other company Good luck!