Software Engineer Review

My current role is a tester, I work started on the BAU team which dealt with support and maintenance work but have recently moved into a feature team which develops new software for the account. I interact with clients on a daily basis and work amongst BA's, developers and UAT teams. My responsibilities include working closely with all teams, assigning work to myself and completing on time to meet the iteration deadlines.

During my time on project I have built on the skills learnt in ALE and implemented them on a daily basis, this includes SQL and fault diagnosis. I have also picked up new skills such as non-functional testing which I ran for the account. I have also attended various courses to improve on SQL, automated testing and knowledge in project management and systems development.

I enjoy applying what is learnt in training and on courses in my day job. Seeing practical application of new skills makes sure you understand wat you have learnt. Also working closely with experienced team members allow you to ask questions and learn from those working closely to you. The culture within the company is that you can approach anybody with questions and I have found this to be true, as whether a new apprentoice or high manager there is always time to answer and inform if you are stuck.

I feel very valued by Cpagemini. My manager and SDM are very keen on making sure I am happy and give me plenty of responsibilities within the office. This is shown by giving me the chance to take ownership of performance testing and moving me into a feature team to develop both in my role and in the office.

The training we have recieved has been brilliant. ALE was a good foundation and we was able to build on this by selecting additional courses that suited our career path. We were also allocated study days to complete QA assignments to ensure we was not overloaded with work. As the programmes is fairly new there has been some tinkering with the original plan, such changing from week long courses to online courses with 2 days working from home to complete them. Although it makes sense from a business perpective I feel the information is best learnt when attending courses with lecturers avaiulable to answer questions.

The first assessor we (the apprencites on my project) were assigned was very poor. He did not keep us informed, misled us with how work was going and did not support us very well (even signing off units which I then had to re-do/ommit from my folder and complete a new one). When this was realised (after he left QA) we were assigned three assessors in the space of a month - all of which had little to no communication with us. This left us with 5 months to complete the majority of modules. Finally we was assigned our final assessor who was brilliant. While the training in ALE and all other courses have been good, the initial support form assessors has been poor - with exception to the final assessor. This is reflected with the change of direction for the programme where we are using Aston university which will vastly improve this area.

I have recieved good support from Capgemini. If I need any information or assistance on things I can approach anyone in the office or email/communicate and there will be a reply. General support has been brilliant in office and from programme leaders and all are happy to help new joiners with any problem they have.

The salary is very good and offers regular reviews for pay and grade rises. It is very much based on how you work, so you are rewarded for the work you do and progression is different for everyone. If you are motivated and hardworking the salary is very good. If you are working away from home there are expenses available which ensure you ar enot left out of pocket which is brilliant.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of the workplace - including regular networking events and internal activities. There are lots of volunteer programs on offer such as the schools outreach progrramme where you can go into schools and colleges to inform them of the opportunities available to them through schemes such as these.

No

I have recieved brilliant training, support and experience in a well respected worldwide company - which is invaluable. The wage is good and with amazing career opportunities which are limitless, from starting as an apprentice you can rise through the organisation in whichever path you like.

Do it! If you are driven, interested in IT and developing yourself it is the perfect place to be. Prepare well for your interviews and show willingness and you will be rewarded. It is not only for people with experience but for those with the desire to improve. The people you meet and experiences ensure the best starting platform for a career in IT. If there is anything I wish I was told it would be to do this before I tried university, as I wasted money and time there where I could have been building on my career and gaining qualifications at the same time.