Quality Analyst Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4.5/5
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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:
5/5
As a QA Apprentice at IBM, you ensure software quality by testing applications, identifying bugs, and validating fixes. You collaborate with developers to troubleshoot issues, execute test cases, and document results. You learn testing methodologies, tools, and automation while adhering to IBM’s ways of working. Your role supports delivering reliable products and gaining hands-on QA expertise.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
My programme has been very good so far, my onboarding period was great. I was able to pick up tasks quickly and up-skill within my dedicated role quickly and comfortably. My team has been supportive in providing me with anything i need and any help or support i feel that i need. It is great to have more experienced team members to learn and help develop my skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I’ve developed expertise in manual testing, including test case design, execution, defect tracking, and Agile workflows. I’ve also gained automation skills using tools like Selenium and scripting in Python/Java. These competencies enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration, ensuring robust software quality through balanced manual and automated strategies.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of my programme has been great so far. As previously stated the onboarding was smooth and i felt comfortable at all times, not out of my depth. The support has always been there for me whenever required and i am developing my skills well whilst keeping on top of my daily tasks.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support i receive from my employer is great. I have my line manager within the project who supports any issues i have and feel necessary to bring up. Then i also have my foundation manager who, within the company, is able to provide me with support on how i feel i am getting on within my Apprenticeship and any issues i would like to raise or support needed i am able to go to them.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive some support from my training provider (University) This support is more optional and we have meetings every few months to discuss my progress and goals for the future semesters.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel like certain aspects of my qualification such as group project / team work and individual work have helped most so far. My course is not directly related to my role so this is quite difficult to find similarities within the actual content. But the general ideas used and methods of work are a great crossover.
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
There are frequent socials within the Scottish side of our company, networking events can be considered as our usual project party's where there is plenty room to network and meet new people within the project/company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A captivating company which strives through innovation, it is apparent when working with IBM how they succeed in the way they do. Everyone is treated well, support is always there for you no matter what. The project involvement has been a really great chance to realise how everyones work makes a difference and we have been very successful in showing this since i joined. Very flexible with hybrid working, the ability to work from home is a game changer and has really helped me manage my time better.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
When applying to IBM, be yourself, show that you care about the company and what it stands for, IBM has a rich history of innovation and the goal of helping people, through technological innovation. Knowing anything about the background/history of these things. Or even recent innovation such as WatsonX AI models will make you stand out from the others.
