Junior Software Engineer Review

The main tasks in my day-to-day role involves creating test scripts for software to ensure it meets the highest of standards. My job includes creating these test scripts, reviewing my code to ensure it is clear and efficient and to then document it to then send for a higher review. This is my usual tasks during my work day, and sometimes they do vary as it is dependent on the work available in the team.

I have learnt many new skills since starting this role at HPE. Main one being social / teamwork skills; in a software development team it is important to keep up to date with you teams progress and what they are doing, including your own work. This involves a meeting every morning stating what you completed the day before and communicating it in a clear and understandable way. The other main point is the development of my coding skills, which I feel have improved dramatically since starting this program (including C, C++, Python and Linux).

I enjoy this programme immensely and love coming into work every day. I feel like it is a great opportunity to be a part of this company and in a software development environment. I am developing everyday including my coding and communication skills and in an environment which is positive and friendly.

I do feel valued working at HPE especially by my team which I work within. Everyone I work with are very supportive and my team has entrusted me with work that needs to be done, and has not just been given to me for training purposes. The people I work with always seem so appreciative / helpful and they allow me a sufficient amount of time to complete my QA Coursework which I am grateful for as sometimes it can be time consuming.

The structure to our program has been very unorganised since starting as there has been confusion about what we should be learning, and what training needs to be completed. Some modules we have had to complete seem to be unnecessary and most of the training programs that were scheduled at the QA Centers were either cancelled or cut down.

I feel like our training provider is the one reason this program is not enjoyable. Communication between the apprentices and the training provider is extremely poor and so is the support. Emails take a very long time to get a reply, and the help we get in return is limited and vague.

The support from HPE has been amazing compared to our training provider. I have a mentor which I was assigned at the start of the program who gives his knowledge and help to me on a daily basis. The team I work within are very supportive, even with my QA work. My capability manager is always reachable and is very helpful with any questions I have.

I personally feel like the salary we are on is very good for level of apprenticeship we are on and HPE also reimburse us for transportation costs to training centers which they have arranged. I also understand that my salary will go up after 1 year also which is a bonus. The salary I am on is good as I still have a good amount for myself after paying for rent, car, fuel etc.

I am always getting emails about opportunities outside of the workplace, such as volunteering work and fitness sessions. HPE allows us to do volunteer work for a specific amount of hours a month without taking any unpaid days off, they will also match any donations you have made for charity. Fitness sessions are also available for people at HPE and allow you to network.

Yes

Working in a software development environment is an amazing opportunity to come by and to be given it at such a young age is something I am grateful for and I feel like more young people should be given this experience. It has taught me so many new skills, and let me development my coding skills to an even higher standard. This is a great start for me to progress my programming career.

I would give the advice of researching into HPE and ensure a programming career is what you want to do before applying. When getting to the interview, make sure you talk and don’t be shy. There is nothing to be nervous about as the people at HPE are friendly and supportive so try and stand out and be yourself. Make sure you really show your passion for programming too.