DevIT Z - Software Developer Review

I work within the DevIT team in Z-support. My team’s role in a summary is to maintain the collection of virtual and physical machines located in our Hursley offices. The machines that I work on are used by developers every single day, which outlines how crucial it is that our team operates efficiently. During my day-to-day role, the team handle automated and customer tickets to support our neighbour products MQ (Message Queue) and CICS (Customer Information Control System). We also have some more long-term projects that we do alongside our traditional day to day work, this is mainly to improve our systems, build new ones and also upgrade the level of software used.

I came into my new role as a complete novice, but in the past 7/8 months I feel I have learnt a lot. In my role I have learnt alot about Z systems how to navigate these and fixing issues that arrise. I have also learnt some more Python since doing my course with firebrand. But each and every day I am learning more about my role specifics and also key components to do with my apprencticeship.

My Firebrand training has had some ups and downs but mainly positive in my experience. My first training block was a fully online course which wasn't run as smoothly as I hoped however my second training block was meant to be in person but I tested postive for covid the day before going and they were very quick to change their plans and accomodate me being able to work from home and this experience was very positive. I don't enjoy the project side of things as much as there is lots of writing and evidence needed which can be very tedious, but overall I am mostly happy with what the course entails.

I think it is fairly well structured. At the beginning there was some confusion for me surrounding OneFile and what I'm supposed to be doing and when. But I did gain an understanding fairly quick and now know what to do and what's planned for me in the future.

My employer is great with helping out in my apprenticeship. My team is very happy to support me when apprenticeship work is crucial and they've always stated my appenticeship comes first. This allows me to keep on top of my apprenticeship work. My foundation manager who helps with the apprectice side of things is also extremely helpful and will always guide me and help with what I should be doing.

I receive a good amount of support from Firebrand that I am pleased about. I have reviews with my mentor once a month but we always try to schedule a quick meeting every two week to go over any questions I have and also if I need help with my projects.

I recently partook in a Python course and although this is not extremely common in my teams work I am able to do my second project using Python which is also a project that does benefit my team. I also understand that there will be a need for more Python in my teams projects in the years to come so I know I can contribute.

There are many activities that I can partake in at work as I am very lucky to work in IBM's Hursley office which is a massive green space with tennis courts and indoor football available. There have also been a good amount of networking events since the office opened fully with no restrictions earlier this year.

Yes

I am extremely pleased with my job at IBM, it's a very nice atmosphere for myself whether I'm in the office or working from home. There are great facilites in Hursley. But most importantly there is a great opportunity to develop myself and my career, so in the future if I wanted a new role they would be very accomodating.

When applying for a job or an apprenticeship at IBM it is very important to do your research about the company as a whole but also the specific area you're aiming to go into. Once you're confident in your research you need to ensure that you show the best person you can be.