Software Engineer Review

I'm working as a software engineer consultant, I'm on a project at a large retailer's head office and am working on their website. I currently am working as a junior front end developer, working with HTML, CSS and JavaScript - namely a framework called React.js. I get assigned programming tasks to complete, and since we are working collaboratively, I submit my code to the codebase once I have made changes.

I started off with 2 months at university, greatly increasing my Java programming ability, and my SQL abilities. I then went on to start at my first project in a PMO role, which helped me improve on my project management skills as well as my interpersonal skills. Now, as a front end developer, I am constantly improving my development abilities, and have been approved to take part in some courses on the website Pluralsight, funded by my company.

I am enjoying my programme immensely, having started off with living at university for 2 months and getting to know the other great people from my intake. Since then I've joined my first project, and have great flexibility in my role. Working in a team of developers has exceeded my expectations, and the company culture seems to be an open, accepting and friendly one.

The structure of the programme was made clear to us during the application process, and then again during the interview day. The university modules are split up into easy to understand blocks, with each block representing roughly one year of modules. Furthermore, my reviewer has organised for funding for a Pluralsight membership, allowing me to access courses online for topics that may interest me (such as front end development). We are also provided with ample study leave days to catch up on our university work.

I have had very little contact with my manager, and the few times I have contacted him I have just been pointed elsewhere with my concerns. My reviewer however has been outstanding, keeps in contact and is always very clear with his expectations of me. On my project as well, the project managers are very supportive of my growth and encourage me to keep up with my studies by taking study leave.

Online lectures are held either weekly or biweekly for all modules, and the tutors themselves are very easy to contact, and will usually respond very promptly. For some modules, tutors are even contactable face to face. I have yet to have any kind of negative experience with my training provider, and am enjoying my time studying with Aston university.

I definitely feel that by the end of my degree, I will have gained a great many skills that are directly tied towards my role. Less than a year in, I have already put to use the knowledge I gained from a module that covered front-end development, as I am now working as a front end developer. We even covered the specific Javascript framework that I now use on a daily basis. As I complete more modules I have no doubt that I will gain more skills that are directly relevant.

I have the opportunity to volunteer for the schools programme, which I have done twice so far. These opportunities have so far involved running a careers fair stand for Capgemini apprenticeships at a secondary school, and running mock interviews for students at a sixth form. I also plan to take part in Capgemini's yearly football match against Capgemini Poland next year, which takes place in Poland.

Yes

I would recommend Capgemini to a friend looking for a job in a tech related field, as career progression is very clearly laid out, and the company culture aligns very well with my personal values. From first hand experience, I know Capgemini hire people not only based on their qualifications/knowledge, but also on their personalities, and it shows through the number of great people I have met after less than a year on the programme.

Just be yourself in the interviews and assessment centres, as the interviewers are looking above all else for honest, kind hearted people that show a passion for tech, and a passion for working with other people. Make the most of your time at university with your peers from your intake, as these people will be your closest network after joining. Above all else, don't be afraid to ask questions on things you don't know about - people at Capgemini are extremely non-judgmental in my experience, and will jump at any opportunity to help you.