DevOps Engineer Review

I am a DevOps Engineer, and I work with one of IBM’s clients to deliver their digital transformation journey. I am involved regularly in meetings with client stakeholders discussing current and future work, suggesting solutions to overcome problems. I also work with junior engineers to aid with their assigned tasks, and support them in using less familiar tools. One day a week, I study remotely for my degree, and this time away from my project is fully supported by the client and IBM.

Before joining IBM, I had zero knowledge of any of the toolkits I use day-to-day. I was put through a bootcamp to learn about DevOps, and have also attended various consultancy courses hosted by IBM to further my client communication skills. I have also developed skills through my degree including software engineering, project management and cyber security.

I really enjoy the programme I’m on, as it allows me to develop my career, whilst also working towards a bachelors degree. The programme has allowed me to meet other early professionals, as well as learned about topics I would not usually be exposed to in my day role, such as project management and cyber security.

The programme is well organised. I have a dedicated day per week for study, which is agreed with IBM and the client I work for. This day is always respected, and my manager goes above and beyond to track my progress and ensure I am getting the time and support I need to compete my apprenticeship. University modules are well structured, informative and interesting.

IBM give plentiful support for apprentices. You are assigned an early professionals manager, who knows the programme you are undertaking inside out, and supports you both in your career development and reaching the requirements for your apprenticeship. There is a wealth of experience from management at IBM, meaning managers give solid advice based on the experience of previous apprentices from previous intakes

For the degree apprenticeship, you are assigned a university mentor, who is on hand to answer any questions about the programme, or provide support from a university stand point should there be any issues with completion of assignments, or any queries about university processes. University lecturers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable in their modules. They understand the pressures which come with being apprentices, and take this in to account when tailoring module content and assignments.

All modules undertaken during my course have aspects transferable to my day role. This could be programming skills which are useful in completing my day role, but also other aspects such as project management, which enables better understanding of how the project you are working on is run, and what makes a good project.

There are lots of networking events at IBM, and you can choose to be involved in as many or as little as you like. During the pandemic these were all virtual, but now there are a mixture of virtual and face-to-face events now we are learning to live with covid.

Yes

IBM truly cares about its employees, and sees the people behind the job role for who they are rather than just as employees. IBM invests heavily in its people, and provides support which far outweighs that offered by other companies’ early professionals programmes. As an apprentice, IBM care about your apprenticeship, but care more about your future career - they want to see you succeed in what you do!

Be yourself, and be sure of yourself! IBM invests in your as an individual, rather than you as a body who can complete a job. Also, know your stuff! Research the job role and research IBM heavily - if you aren’t that interested in the company you want to work for, do you really want a job there?