Software Developer Review

I am a software developer consultant and therefore my role ranges from speaking to clients to establish what their issues are and how we can help them while also coding new features and fixing bugs that might exist in our product. I work closely with the client on a daily basis too.

I have learnt so much during my time at IBM. I've only been here for almost 3 years but during this time I have progressed as a developer a lot. My skills in web development and React are amazing and I feel like a well rounded developer when barely 3 years ago I couldn't code my way out of a paper bag.

I enjoyed my programme a lot. I've met amazing colleagues while also getting a certification that IBM paid for in full while I also made a salary. I wouldn't have received this should I had gone to university and I see many of my friends who chose that path now struggle.

My programme was very structured from IBMs side. I was supported on every part of the way from induction and being shown what my work would be like, calls with project managers to find the right project for me and help from my manager when I had any questions or concerns.

As much as I would ever need. Anything that has been an issue for me (and this has happened only a handful of times) I received help and advice from my task manager and career coach instantly. They have both always been so happy to help me no matter what issue has arose.

My support from Firebrand was great with some issue that I wish were resolved. There wasn't a lot of help when preparing for exams e.g. mock exams that could be taken and the exam that was provided to us was 10 years old and syntax that I was quizzed on was actually irrelevant or even wrong with today's coding standards. I also spoke to a new joining apprentice who shared my views so no changes were made since I finished my programme. This was no fault of IBMs and I got as much help from career coach as they could with the content provided. I still did pass my exam but with a lot digging for information that should've been provided to me by Firebrand.

I personally don't feel like my training from Firebrand helped me all that much in my actual role. Not to say I didn't learn anything but 95% of everything I now know as a developer that I use in my day to day work was learnt on the spot from my project. My programme at Firebrand just tested how well I knew the topics through exams or coursework.

Yes. I was part of a football club that some fellow apprentices and I organised where we'd go to an astro turf playing field and play football once a week after work. There are many such groups ranging from other sports like Tennis and Basketball and even video game clubs. Whatever takes your fancy I'm sure there are others who share that in IBM.

Yes

Overall IBM has treated me outstandingly. They've given me a jumpstart in my life with the opportunity that they gave me and have been the best employer I could ask for. I've never been shouted at, belittled or have had any sort of negative experience. Everyone here is so helpful and I couldn't have asked for a better job.

Don't be afraid that you're not as knowledgeable as you think you should be. I barely knew how to code before joining and here I am 2 and a half years later working on apps that are being used by thousands of users concurrently. It all works out in the end and you'll be glad to have applied. Its such a fun workplace and everyone feels like a friend rather than a colleague and that's something that makes you HAPPY to go into the office.