Software Developer Review

My day to day role is pretty varied. My job role is a software developer so I work primarily in Java, SQL and shell scripting server side. I work with a variety of technologies including RHEL, multiple relational databases and use IDEs such as eclipse. I select tickets from our ticketboard inline with work I am interested in and which is at a level I feel I can complete. As such, I have been able to work across the full stack of my project; front end development, middleware in java, backend in MySQL, Oracle SQL and H2 as well as building systems server-side. I also operate in a client support role, interacting directly with customers and I lead small groups of colleagues. I have been given responsibility over key areas of my project including marketable products and security of the overall project.

While I could write some code before I joined as I had self-taught low level C# and Java, I had limited experience in both and zero at an enterprise level. I'm now comfortable working with Java EE and have learnt a lot about using different flavours of Linux. The database knowledge I picked up during university was limited but applicable and I have now learned considerably more about constructing and administrating relational databases.

Work wise it's great. I am rewarded with responsibility when I stretch myself and demonstrate that I am capable. The people I work with and the project I'm involved in are both great and there is plenty of room for me to develop professionally. The degree program offered through Aston has been lacking in a few areas but provided you are prepared to teach yourself the content alongside it then it shouldn't be an issue. Joining the degree apprenticeship at CGI was definitely a good decision.

The program is a front door for the company to hire talent. Once you're in, you're able to grow at your own pace. There is a lot on offer to learn and some very talented people to learn from. The only issue is how the university and the company mesh. The university treat you as either non-existent and they only communicate with your company liaison or disregard you as just another student. They struggle to realise you are a working professional. Although this definitely is down to course tutor. Some were fantastic and we were able to build up a great working relationship with. Others were clearly just PhD students who were more concerned with their own research than doing the teaching but you will get that at every university.

Within my project, loads. If there is something I need, it's offered immediately and I know I have lots of people I can turn to for help. In the wider scheme, there are support networks in place and it seems that a lot of people are prepared to help you out.

In my case, this is pretty much just what level of teaching do we receive. Aston aren't great with the comp-sci side of the degree. We have access to the course content on demand and can talk to tutors during their office hours if needed. I haven't had to make use of the office hours and it's a bit impractical for us as we are working during those hours but understandable from their end. CGI would have no issues with you taking some time out of your day to get in contact with Aston regarding your course.

The degree itself, not much. 95% of what I do is self taught or learnt during my time on the project. It will however open doors down the line. Browsing job sites for anything in IT will show you that the first thing they ask for is a degree. Getting the piece of paper is what matters.

At CGI, we have the Sport and Social club. Every other week we get pizza in to the office, we often go out for meals in the town and there are events going on all the time. The company is well focused on ensuring it's members are happy and involved.

Yes

Good company to work for. Pay may be lower than at other companies generally speaking but the opportunities to grow are there if you look for them. As a company, we are involved in so many different industries so there will be work you are interested in. We have been involved in big name projects such as the EU's new GPS satellite constellation Galileo, we are involved in constructing the UK's new smart meter grid and provide information security services to global clients. Lots of interesting work going on.

Check out the company, go to their UK website and find out more about what we are involved in. Being able to demonstrate an understanding of who we are and what we do is useful. A strong technical background isn't required when starting out at this point but the ability to show you're keen and actively learning is key.