Software Engineer Review

My current role involves acting as a functional Salesforce consultant. This role involves working on client site during the week, with a day working from home Friday. I currently am elaborating 'User Stories' with the client and writing 'Acceptance Criteria' for those stories so that they can be built and tested by our development and testing team.

I have acquired three Salesforce certification with my time at Capgemini, not to mention I have also progressed through the second year of my Degree Program, learning Java programming language along the way, while also picking up some business knowledge too. My communication skills have improved massively in terms of communicating in meetings, writing emails, phone calls and day to day confidence

While the Degree Program will set me up for a prosperous career with 5 years industry experience and a number of qualifications, certifications and a degree, at times it can be very stressful and difficult. The process itself leads much to be desired because of this, but the result will be worth it. Besides that, I have made numerous friends on the program, and would still recommend it to others

University visits, lectures and hand-in dates are very well structured and littered throughout the year so that we are continuously engaging with Aston University. Work life is kept somewhat separate from our Degree learning, but this divide allows for no conflict. Progression in the workplace is handled like any other job with special considerations for us as we are also working towards a Degree

Although, as mentioned earlier, there is a separation between work and our degree program, it is all constantly monitored by our upper management ready to provide support where needed. Should we need time off work for our degree to be worked on, most co-workers are understanding of this and allow us to take the time where needed

Support from our university is available to those that request it. Tutors and lecturers will not pester you for participation which can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. If you as an individual seek help and support, it will be provided, but it is possible to slip through the cracks

Being honest, my degree does not directly affect the quality of work I am able to provide. As my role in work is that of a Salesforce consultant, there are very few modules in my degree that are relevant to my day to day job. The motivator behind completing the degree is to have a degree for future employability reasons. I understand that others are learning things in the degree that are relevant, but for me it is not.

There are a number of social events and external activities are very plentiful, with a large variety of social, sporting events, charity events and networking events too. We are also given a platform through the company to attend a number of wider networking events, those relevant to Salesforce are particularly made available to me due to my company being a Platinum Sponsor

Yes

Capgemini is very keen on managing a good work-life balance and providing opportunities for learning and development for their employees. Most I have worked with are friendly, and the clients we work with allow for some very interesting challenges to overcome. The community is very friendly, and most people are very sociable

Capgemini is very keen on the personality and attitude as an apprentice you show. As it is expected that all will learn a lot on the program, a keen attitude to learning is desired over lots of knowledge. Expressing your interests (in terms of work) will allow you to get where you want to be, and Capgemini will help you get there