Software Developer Review

I am responsible for making code changes, adding features and fixing defects of an IBM product. We have daily scrums where we report our progress and discuss any blockers. I pair and program with another member of my team sometimes to make things easier. Also have training often as and when needed.

So I didnt have much experience when I first started working at IBM however I have since learnt Java, Python, SQL, JCL and using Ansible. Also learnt more about test driven development and unit testing etc. I have developed my leadership skills alot as well as my new confidence in presenting!

I love it because I get to work whilst getting a degree, my tasks each day are challenging and help me progress, whilst also having lots of enjoyable and fun opportunities like summer bbq's and meals out. I get to interact with a lot of people in the business.

Work is very well structured however the university aren't very organised and I am doing entirely different modules in my final year than I should be doing because they messed it up. I dont mind too much as it's still valuable but the year after me gets alot more specific content for software development.

I receive continuous support from my employeer about everything I need help with and I am always encouraged to ask about anything. I am always gently guided into anything I need and am supported continuously. They always point me in the right direction if I'm stuck without giving it away to begin with though.

I have meetings weekly with my foundation manager to provide me with support to achieve my degree. I am given extra time at work when I have alot of university work to ensure I am able to get it done and I dont get stressed, which is incredibly beneficial for me!

I think it does benefit me in some areas but the amount of actual software development (my role) i do at university, could be alot higher, my degree focuses alot more on project management, business and cyber/data etc, which obviously isnt as useful at the moment but may be in the future.

There are networking events such as the christmas do, and we go for lunch once a week which is nice. Theres loads of extra stuff to do, such as martial arts! We have a gym on site as well as a cricket pitch etc where things are always going on.

Yes

Lovely place to work, its super inclusive and supportive. The offices are great fun with a friendly atmosphere. Lots of opportunity for career development and very competitive pay! They've always been my dream company so cant imagine working anywhere else! Also lots of benefits such as health insurance etc.

Be yourself when you apply, but do your research about the company. I was unapologetically myself in the interview, telling stories about when I'd messed up and laughed about it with them, and was overall completely myself! Be the best version of you and thats all you can do!