Software Engineer Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Hursley
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Test planning, test execution, test scripting, defect management. Taking part in meetings, workflow management ie Trello etc. Helping other team members with knowledge transfer and test support. Working with developers to recreate and investigate defects. Helping different parts of the team due to experience in system knowledge and subject knowledge
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Very much so, having already completed a level 4 apprenticeship, my level 6 builds on it and develops my knowledge whilst also opening my eyes to newer areas. It also allows me to continue my project work which has been 3 years of my life so far, and I want to continue my growth on it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Learnt all aspects of testing and software cycle. Management skills, technical skills. Subject knowledge in TDL and other system areas. Use of management tools such as RTC and RQM. Teamwork/collaboration and working in a professional environment- collaborating with different types of characters and managing those more difficult relationships and any conflict.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very, I get to take my one study day a week and use that to work on my assignments and attend/listen back to any lectures and do my reading/revision. I also get the chance to continue my day job as mentioned above, continuing my progress and my progression.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
A lot, I have built a good support network from my early professionals manager to people on my project- my team lead, my manager and all my peers. I also have a support manager from the uni who is very helpful and we meet regularly to give my progress updates.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I meet every so often with my allocated career coach from the uni who checks on my progress, asks if I need any help, gives me updates and any further support. These meetings are also attended by my EPM which is good as she can give any IBM specific updates.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
A lot, I gain a lot of knowledge in python, maths and business fundamentals which helps me relate to what we are doing more and allows me to put the learning into practice. I can also have the time to do some uni work which means I am more refreshed each day.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, I attend a lot of social events with my project team who are a close knit group. We go for lunch most days and play social sports/games together daily. There is the chance to attend events and travel with team members which is good to raise the morale.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Reputable company, great benefits and pay, understandable and lenient managers/workers. Great hybrid working options and location options. Opportunities to progress which is supported and training is provided with a lot of opportunities to do different things to your day job. Everyone who works here is kind and friendly and easy to work with.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be yourself. Don't worry if you don't have the technical skills, they provide the training for you. They look to hire personalities and work ethic and all skills side can be moulded into what is required. Don't stress about any managers/higher ups you may meet they are all really nice.
