Salesforce Developer Review

I am a software developer on a small team within the Cloud Capability. We use a CRM tool called Salesforce. Daily tasks include working with team members to meet the client's requirements and to provide them with ongoing support. On a daily basis, I interact with team members to help me understand any issues I may be having or to gain updates on the project. I have been on a number of projects within this capability which is why I enjoy it so much. Having the opportunity to be involved in numerous projects helps me improve my understanding of how Salesforce works with different clients and also makes things more interesting.

I have developed a lot of new skills since starting the apprenticeship. Before the apprenticeship, I had zero knowlege and understanding of programming languages and little confidence. Now I have an understanding the object orientated programming language skills in C# and also an understanding of other languages such as HTML, CSS, Java, SQL, PHP, Apex and C++. Working with other team members and the client has improved my confidence and communication skills. I now have the confidence and ability to share my ideas, opinions and communicate effectivity with others. I have also nearly completed the second year of my Software Engineering degree which is equivalent to a level 5. On my role within the organisation I have also done numerous training activities to improve my knowledge of CRM tool Salesforce to help me within my everyday role.

I enjoy this programme a lot as it has given me the opportunity to learn so much about the world of technology and also provided me with valuable friendships. The people within this organisation are all extremely friendly and make working here a fun place. Team members are always very motivating and supportive which allows me to work to the best of my ability. I have monthly career counselling sessions where I can discuss my progress within my role. The type of work I am currently doing is very enjoyable and interesting. Previously, I was on a role within the organisation which I did not enjoy very much which had an impact on my mood. To overcome this, I brought this issue up with my career counsellor and apprenticeship leads who acted quickly upon this, ensuring that I was moved to an area which I would enjoy more. This was very comforting, knowing that I was not required to stay in one area, and was able to move around to find out what areas I do enjoy.

I feel very valued in my current role at Accenture. I feel like my current manager cares a lot about how I feel and how well I am working on the role. We have monthly career counselling sessions which allow me to discuss any issues that I may be having or to find ways on how I can improve within my role. Within these sessions, we also practice mindfulness to reduce stress levels. Accenture also has many different groups including the mental health ally scheme and LGBT groups to promote diversity and support throughout Accenture. Accenture has an apprentice of the year scheme which made me feel appreciated when I was nominated for this. Being recognised through this scheme and through feedback allowed me to feel very valued. Also gaining performance points for activities such as volunteering is very motivating.

I think the scheme is quite organised, particularly within the first year of the apprenticeship scheme. We were given clear instructions on where to go on our first day and what to bring which made things a lot easier. During the first 8 weeks of the apprenticeship, we attended a boot camp where an experienced member of the organisation taught us about the different programming skills and other skills needed for roles which we may have. This support was very valuable as it allowed us to all learn the fundamentals from scratch and also gave us an opportunity to meet each other and create friendships. Once a week, we also attend the university where we spend the full day in lectures/lab activities. Having a full day to dedicate university too is very helpful and allows us to learn many skills outside the organisation. Once leaving boot camp and joining our first roles, I felt like there was less support from the apprenticeship leads as we got more involved in our roles. I think it would have been helpful to have a bit more support from the apprenticeship leads once we joined our new roles, perhaps a weekly catch up to see how we are getting on. I believe this would have been helpful to uncover any issues we may have been facing and if we did not enjoy our role then that problem would be flagged up early on.

Within university, we receive a lot of help and support from our lecturers. We can contact them at any time using Canvas or email. We can also request to have 1 to 1 meetings with them for extra advice. The assignments we are given are often relevant to the module and extra help through mark schemes and 1-1 advice is often given.

During the start of the apprenticeship, we gained a lot of support from the apprenticeship leads as we were taught about the organisation and fundamentals of programming. We often had one to one meetings with them to discover our interests within the organisations. The leads were very supportive and enthusiastic to help us learn. However, as mentioned before, I feel like the support from the leads reduced as we joined our roles which I would have liked to see more of during that transition.

The salary for this apprenticeship is very good. I am happy with the amount I earn each month, considering I also get my degree paid for which otherwise would have cost at least £27,000. The travel costs are covered by the employer if we work outside the Newcastle technology centre and also travel to training or client site is also covered. The location of the Newcastle technology centre is also useful as there is a bus stop right outside and a metro station 15 minutes away.

There are a few opportunities outside of work, including company events. Every year there is a really fun Christmas party for the Newcastle delivery centre. There is also Comms events where we can learn about what our company is doing. Within teams and capabilities, there is also often team nights out where we celebrate work achievements and help increase team morale with a fully paid for meal. There are numerous volunteering opportunities which we can attend using our charity days. We are assigned 3 charity days per year which can be dedicated to helping out, raising money for charity or promoting Accenture.

Yes

Accenture is a brilliant organisation which amazing people. The apprenticeship scheme gives you the opportunity to learn about technology and what it has to offer while also gaining the skills from a full degree for free while getting paid a salary. The skills and valuable lessons which are learned throughout the scheme allows individuals to become valuable IT professionals.

Tips I would give to others is to practice your technical skills before joining as it can give you a head start in boot camp. Also, have an idea of whether you would like to learn more independently through the university education route or learn with more support through the college route.