Software Engineer Review

I am training to be a software engineer/technology analyst at Accenture, but my role will vary over the course of my degree. At the moment I am working with one of the firms clients on updating a user interface system.I am responsible for tracking defects and pushing them towards resolution in order to stick to the delivery timeline. I use a tool called HP Application lifecycle management to do this, along with JIRA and Confluence. I enjoy my role and will start a new one shortly when my project ends.

I have learnt to code using Java, Javascript, HTML and CCS since joining the apprenticeship programme and my client- interaction skills have been a key part of my role at Accenture. At university in this first year I have studied computer and network architecture, an introduction to systems development and informations systems design. Next year I am going to be specialising in either data analysis or software engineering.The overall degree I am studying for is Digital and Technology Solutions.

So far I have really enjoyed the programme. Initally it was a little daunting as I joined immediately after leaving sixth form but now I am very happy with my choice to accept a place on the apprenticeship. The team that I work with were very understanding when I first joinec and helped me form a network with other new joiners.

I feel valued by Accenture and they put a lot of time and training into all of us. There are regular social events that are organised for us to work on forming networks with our colleagues which helps us get new projects when our current ones finish.There is an very good internal recognition scheme called Performance Acheivement, where every employee is able to list their personal priorities and track how successful they are in acheiving them. This tool is where employees can ask for feedback and receive feedback from their career counsellors and line managers.

The programme is fairly well organised. The induction could have been better as it was mainly just a series of powerpoints and speeches, but everything else has been good so far. We have 25 hours a year of time we are allowed to spend during working hours to stufy, and we go to university every Monday during term time. Performance Acheivement is a great tool used accross the company to structure feedback and reviews.

I receive a very good amount of support from my lecturers at univeristy. We all have access to a tool called Moodle, where we submit our work and receive feedback and marking. We also each have an academic advisor who supports us and has regular meetings with us.

My manager is excellent in supporting me in learning new things and putting what I learn at university into practice at work. HR are very helpful when you need assistance with any general queries and everyone has an apprentice ambassador who they can contact at anytime to discuss any problems and share postive news with.

Currently I am working on a project away from home so I get my expnses reimbursed which is great. However, as I do not live in London but my base office is in London, I do not get my expenses covered if I travel to London. It costs £54 a day to travel to London so I am avoiding joining a project there for as long as I can. The pay itself is not the greatest but I'd say its fair.

There are hundreds of opportunities out of work. There are clubs within Accenture that employees are encouraged to join. There are also regular events where we can all meet up and network.Generally, each client also holds their own events and has their own clubs that Accenture employees working on their projects are welcome to attend. There is quite a good work-life balance in this essence. It's especially good for employees working away from home.

Yes

It's a great experience working for such a big company and you get great exposure to lots of varying roles and different people. The money is fair and the benefits are great. However, I wouldn't suggest the apprenticeship to anyone who doesn't want to travel or work away from home.

Just be enthusiastic and show how much you really care about Tech and want to be involved in it. Use the STAR approach to answer interview questions and make sure you give everyone an equal chance to speak in the assesment centre group task. Also, make sure you have a good understanding of the type of work Accenture already do and the type of work they are always aiming to do( e.g use tech to go greener).