Software Developer Review

I start every day at 9 am, have a scrum/stand-up meeting at 10am where I discuss with my team what we did yesterday and what we are doing today. I then spend the rest of the day working on my project, completing client requests for new features on the application or fixing/improving already implemented features.

Yes, I have learnt many new skills. The IBM learning platform is great for developing existing skills such as soft/professional skills but also learning more about any specialties you're interested in pursuing like business analysis, design, cyber security, project management, programming etc. There are a wide range of courses and badges to take part in with some being live courses.

I really enjoy my programme, it's very interesting and i am developing so many skills and gaining so much more knowledge than I would do if i was just on a university course. The experience and hands on opportunities really allow you to understand what working in the tech industry is like.

It's very well structured, the foundation management team are great for advice and letting you know about opportunities etc. There's a specific day off for uni so you have time to do uni work which is respected by project teams. Theres a two week induction and plenty of training throughout.

IBM are very supportive of their apprentices; the foundation community and the apprentice community are always there to help. We have foundation managers which help us navigate both work and university. We also have "buddies"/mentors who are older apprentices; they are great for an informal chat and some advice if you don't want to go to your manager.

the university provide a lot of support, there are extra sessions with lecturers on monday afternoons if we need them and they are easy to reach via email. They reply very quickly and are very informative. There also support networks for mental health issues and assignment deadline extensions if needed.

At the moment, as i'm in my first year and the content is more a foundation this year for the rest of the course, it doesn't apply too much to my specific job but in the future it will. University does also help develop those softer professional skills.

Yes, IBM has a lot of communities, many of which are in foundation so you can take part in these with other early professionals. There are sports teams, specifically 5 a side football, religion societies, professional networking events. There are always "giveback" volunteering opportunities with T-Level students and colleges etc.

Yes

IBM is an amazing company to work for! There are so many amazing opportunities and they really care about developing their young people and giving them a leg up in their careers. You learn so much and it's really flexible with changing up job roles and trying something new!

Be yourself! It sounds cringe but IBM really care about who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the company. Think about what makes you special and how you can make a change. It's not all about having lots of fancy experience. Be honest, stay calm and most of all have fun!