Software Engineer Review

My day to day role as a software engineer involves speaking to clients, gathering requirements and developing code to meet the criteria. I am currently data warehousing on a large public sector account and work in an Agile team which means our development process and whole way of working is very flexible. We have daily stand up meetings in which we discuss what we did the day before and what we are planning to do during the next working. This helps us keep a track of our work and help each other wherever we can.

I have learnt a wide range of new skills. When I first started on the programme, there was an intense 3 month training course that I undertook. This gave me the fundamental skills I have needed to go out into the working world. It gave me the chance to learn SQL, Java, Python, SSRS, SSIS and QlikSense. Training has continued since then and I have learnt UNIX and Pentaho through two weeks of training and on the job.

I really enjoy my programme as it gives me the opportunity to study without gaining uni debt and also learn real world skills at the same time. The culture of Capgemini is that they don't sell products but they sell people. As a result, Capgemini are very big on investing into people so they really do encourage you to grow and excel. It's a very good environment to be in and it has exceeded my expectation.

I feel very valued by Capgemini. I am given credit for my work through regular reviews, promotions and payrises. We also have an internal system through which we can be recognised as well. This enables managers to award us with small tokens of gratitude which we can then claim through Amazon vouchers etc. Furthermore, on project the managers are very friendly and they make it a point to speak to the developers and thank them for their efforts.

The programme is very well structured. I would say that it has more structure than a graduate programme. This is as Capgemini know that we are joining as school leavers and so they really do try to nurture us by giving us so many wonderful opportunities to broaden our skill sets and learn new things. There also support systems in place to ensure that we are able to manage a work/life balance without feeling overwhelmed.

My training provider was very supportive. My assessor used to meet with me once a month to check my progress and ensure that I am enjoying myself and not having any problems in the work place. They genuinely wanted to support me and this was reassuring and helpful at times when things became stressful.

My employer is very supportive. They are very pragmatic about what they expect from us as young apprentices. As we have to study for a degree as well as do a full time job, they give us study days every year for us to take in addition to our annual leave so that we have enough time to get everything done. These are more than sufficient for us to complete our work and they're greatly appreciated. The HR team are also very supportive and helpful when I have needed them. They are easily contactable through means such as an online chat which make it very each to get in touch.

My salary and package more than meets my costs. In addition to the salary, Capgemini really do look after you. As I work away from my base location the company pays for food every evening, pays for fuel to travel to my place of work and even puts me up in a nice hotel every night. It's a brilliant package and I would never have dreamed of it being so great! There is also lots of progression opportunities and credit is given to you when you perform so the salary growth opportunities are also very good.

There are lots of opportunities outside work through which we can actually get to know other employees better. Examples of these are football tournaments, monthly socials and also giving back opportunities where we get the opportunity to go and speak to students at schools and tell them about our experiences on the programme. It also allows us to open their eyes up to the benefits of apprenticeships and why they should consider one.

Yes

The company has a very friendly and welcoming culture. They don't expect to be a certain way and want genuine people. This makes the environment at Capgemini really comfortable and flexible which really does make day to day life a lot more enjoyable.

I would say when applying, just be yourself. It is a very cliched thing to say but it genuinely is the best thing you can do. Nobody is going to try and trip you up or pick out your flaws. They want to know what makes you tick and if you have the qualities that are synonymous with our brand.