Software Engineer Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Winchester
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
My current day to day role involves testing and maintaining a code base for a product called MQ which operates on a global scale for over 300 companies. I work closely with developers who are introducing new features to the product as a result of customer request and develop tests for these enhancements to our product.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I very much enjoy my current programme, despite the heavy workload, I feel I contribute to my team, my department, and on my university work. I get a sense of accomplishment I feel some others in different apprenticeships do not, and I am glad I am able to enjoy my work here.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
In short, absolutely yes. From the beginning of my apprenticeship it would be nearly impossible to list the things I have learnt, as there have been so many. Working in teams in ways I had never before, I am much more knowledgeable on how to put forth ideas, understand constructive criticism positively, develop plans for testing, administer software for testing, recreate existing issues, debug software, develop software to test specific features and much more.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I cannot fault the organisation of my programme in the terms of my workplace, they understand my needs and requirements in terms of demonstrating work I have done. The structure from a university side I feel could have some improvement. I have attended both Winchester University and Open University, in both of which I feel the expected time dedicated to the modules far exceeds what is portrayed by the 1 day per week off the job. This I imagine is the case for all degree apprenticeship students (As I know others feel the same). One day per week is heavily stressed from an introductory standpoint upon joining the university, but the expectation is 6-8 hours per week per module - simply impossible when 3 or 4 modules coincide. It takes away from the work life balance considerably in my opinion.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive outstanding support from my employer, I have no issue being able to dedicate more time when needed to my study, my manager, team, and co-workers are all aware of my situation and are understanding of this. I also know I am able to move teams and gain experience in certain areas if I wish to do so to demonstrate certain skills needed for my degree.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I work very independently, however I have never had a doubt in my mind that the help would not be there should I need it. My tutor is excellent, my module tutors have always been helpful and courteous, and there is never an issue extending assignments when they clash with multiple modules. As far as I am concerned they are extremely supportive.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Full transparency, it is very distant from my role, and I would say nearly any role I could take in the department I work in. The courses seem to very heavily favour the management and organisational side of business, rather then the software engineering side with development or planning. I would much prefer something closer to computer science where it is more focussed on learning programming techniques and general development strategies, as I feel this much more closely relates to my specialism of Software Engineer.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are many activities in nearly any variety that you could think of, and if there isn't, people are always welcome - encouraged even - to create them. We have yearly BBQ's, Christmas Meals, last year we had a olympic style event where different departments competed for points over the course of a month in different events around our site, organised by anyone who wished to - me included.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Compared to any other employer I have heard 1st hand feedback from, I feel lucky to be where I am. This could be concealed to my department, but as a whole I couldn't fault it. Every person I meet is friendly, knowledgeable, and interested in your views and opinions. The people are the best reason to work at IBM.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
To be yourself, the hiring process is as much about you as it is your ability. Don't be a robot, don't pretend to be someone you're not and don't just answer questions how you think people would want to hear them answered. Most skills can be learned with the right attitude, show your willingness to learn and be relaxed and personable, it's just as important.
