Software Engineer Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.6/5
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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
I script and review functional and on-functional testing, before executing and raising relevant defects. I also deal with requirements and managing test suites through spreadsheets and dashboards.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy it a lot as it is very relevant to me on the job but I can also continue to progress on the project I have worked on for a number of years now so I am growing in the office whilst growing as a degree apprentice.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I already completed a L4 apprenticeship but my L6 degree apprenticeship has helped me with coding languages such as python and sql, consulting frameworks and service management.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There is goods structure with the ability to complete university modules virtually with one specified day a week granted. There is also a yearly bootcamp in person that is useful and nice to get into the uni and have a change of scenery from the office.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
IBM are and always have been great in offering support for any problems I have with the uni, even if it is a complaint they are on it. I have had multiple managers/mentors and no one I have come across has ever been anything short of supportive.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The support from university is mixed, my assigned manager is great and always updates me on the university and where I am on the programme and my progress. However getting in touch with lecturers is difficult and responses can be long which isn't good when there are deadlines. There are also constant inconsistencies with marking and assignment briefs.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Very much so, I am a more rounded professional in terms of away from the desk. I now take part in high level meetings and have no problem communicating issues and offering support for workarounds, this also applies to demanding client site visits.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
IBM host multiple social events for foundation and the wider business, but the sports options are quite limited especially in hursley. I feel a lot of the socials are focused on the London office which isn't really fair as getting to London is expensive and inconvenient. Therefore my project host their own socials and sports events that are privately arranged.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
IBM have given me a complete life change in terms of the world of work. I joined as an 18 year old fresh from college with little experience minus the odd retail job. 5 years and 1 and a half apprenticeships later I am a well rounded confident professional who has earned good money along the way.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be yourself. IBM reward authenticity, also do not be afraid to be awkward. This is in terms of asking those difficult questions, call out problems and digging further. Also talk to and learn as much from experienced colleagues as possible, make good relationships and you'll have a good time.
