Software Engineer Review

Within my degree apprenticeship programme, I work full time on client facing project work during office hours in weekdays, and study for the university degree in evenings and weekends. The day consists of project work during normal office hours. Once this is complete, I move to university work in the evenings. My project work consists of creating database changes and data fixes, as well as code changes and application patches, for a large government client. I am responsible for maintaining a number of applications that are used regularly by users. I often resolve incident calls that are raised, in which the user raises an issue that they are encountering with an application. I also create patch updates for applications that are required to evolve with everchanging application environments. University work consists of attending live webinars; watching lecture recordings; completing online tests; learning module content and revising for exams. Oftentimes I will review lectures and make notes after work, while revising and completing online tests in the weekends.

I have developed and acquired a large array of skills that I did not have prior to joining Capgemini's Degree Apprenticeship. Technical skills include being able to write code in several programming languages, such as Java and C#, as well as writing industry standard SQL scripts to create database changes and fixes. I have developed interpersonal skills, as I am required to use such skills daily. These include: presenting, team working, active listening, taking on responsibility, and verbal communication. The degree apprenticeship has allowed me to learn new skills and develop my existing skills quickly, due to the exposure to the technology industry at a large scale, as well as the exposure to positive teamworking environment in both project work and university work.

I enjoy the Degree Apprenticeship Programme and the benefits of the programme. I have developed as an individual, and enjoy learning new skills at an accelerated rate. The large volumes of university work followed by a long day of project work can be tiring - being able to manage the workload and work-life balance can be difficult initially, but over time, this balances out. I keep myself motivated and committed to completing project work and university work to the best of my ability, and from this, I receive and can enjoy the benefits of the programme.

Capgemini's Degree Apprenticeship Programme is very well structured, as the programme is one developed by both Capgemini and Aston University, and is tried and tested by the several cohorts of apprentices that joined the programme before me. Within work, you are assigned to a project - this is where you engage in client facing project work as a software engineer (or whatever role one may have), in order to successfully deliver solutions to the client. University work is split into module blocks (similar to semesters), in which you complete 2-4 modules per module block. The completion of three module blocks is a year of the degree, and there is a 6 month window for each module block (most module blocks do not last the full 6 months, giving you some time to have away from any university work). Most modules are well organised, with plenty of resources to help you. Some modules have been less organised, with less consideration of the time constraints associated with my day to day work. However, on the whole, the programme is well structured.

Capgemini is extremely supportive with all aspects of my apprenticeship - this includes project work, university work, and my work-life balance. I have several points of contact (business unit manager, reviewer, resource manager, project manager, team lead, colleagues, other apprentices, etc) that I can discuss any issues or concerns with, all of whom have helped me in the past to overcome any small issues that have arisen. The work environment is extremely positive, and allows for an open evironment in which I am comfortable to ask questions and ask for support if required.

We are given support from lecturers and teaching assistants with university work. This can be live and immediate support in webinars, but often, support is carried out in email exchanges, and hence can create delay in receiving support. On the whole, lecturers give feedback for exams and online tests regularly, and are always happy to help with any module content that I may be struggling with.

Many things that I have learnt from the degree have been applied directly to my project work in Capgemini - this applies to both technical skills and non technical skills. I have been able to apply my knowledge of SQL, Java, C#, PHP, and web development in my project work, all of which are technical programming languages that I have learnt and developed through the degree. Some aspects of the degree have not applied to my project work as of yet, but I am sure that they will apply in any future projects I work on, or any future roles that I may choose to take on.

There are several extra-curricular activites that can be engaged in, through both Capgemini and Aston University. We are free to engage in any of the extra curricular activities and societies that Aston University provide. There are also Capgemini related events and sports activities outside of work, which I am able to attend and engage in should I choose to.

Yes

Capgemini is a large, global company, but has a structure that makes me feel welcome and an integral part of the business. I have progressed and developed as an individual, which has been recognised by my managers and Capgemini, and has resulted in promotions and payrises. Project work is challenging and rewarding, and allows me to learn industry quality procedures, tasks, and practices. The work environment is positive, and encourages me to develop.

Try to get some work experience within the technology industry (with Capgemini if possible) - learn as much as possible from the work experience in order to help gain an insight into the industry. Shadowing and looking at a project manager within the technology industry can be a really good way to gain a high level understanding of how projects can work in general. Build your CV - add any work experience, education, and extra curricular activites and achievements that you have. Be comfortable and familiar with all these experiences, and be comfortable in discussing them - they will help with any potential interviews.