FS Software Engineer Review

On a daily basis, I design, develop and test code in a variety of high level languages that contributes towards a larger project for a client. The day usually starts with a team meeting with around 15-20 people, which consists of individuals explaining what they achieved yesterday, and what they are doing today. I work in the Financial Services industry, often working with banks and other large corporations, and so get to apply technical skills outside of a standard technology industry.

Yes - a huge part of this degree apprenticeship is learning and developing new skills. The first 6 months of the apprenticeship is learning how to use software, new languages, and how to test software specific to the team you are in. Different teams and projects will have different technical requirements and so will require different languages. As I had a lot of experience before joining, it was a great opportunity for me to demonstrate and develop knowledge such as Python, JS, AWS, Node, React and Git skills. The second half of the first year also works towards an AWS professional qualification. As this is a degree apprenticeship, 2 days a week I am at university learning and working towards a BSc Degree.

I love it! I had standard UCAS offers from universities, and this apprenticeship offer and at the beginning I was unsure which would be the best shot for me. I opted for the apprenticeship and this was definitely the best chance for me to excel and also learn and develop myself. The company culture is fantastic - each team is diverse and everyone has unique skills that help bring everyone together. The uni course is very well structured, and supports what I learn at work too.

It was very well structured. The first week was split in half. The first 2 days were for university inductions, getting to know who we could ask for help, who our advisors would be etc. The rest of the week was focussed on induction into the company - who our buddies were, performance managers, how to set ourseves up. It was done very well. We consistently have catch up meetings to make sure we are on track, keeping up with the tasks we need to do - using online tools to manage this and resourcing.

There has always been and continues to be significant amounts of support from everyone within the team. You are already assigned and introduced to a general buddy for day-to-day questions, and a tech buddy who understands your existing technical skills, and helps you develop them, from the day one with the firm.

QMUL has been a fantastic provider, and the course, lecturers and support staff have been fantastic. Whilst there is a large workload, there is always support if you are struggling and many people to reach out to it. I enjoy uni days as much as I do my days with the firm. I get both the uni experience and that in industry.

QMUL have been teaching us certain programming languages, skills and standards which are directly used in the code for clients at the firm. This is great as it helps me to understand existing work better, as well as compliments my coursework and exams as I have a further and developed knowledge. I can get help and support from both sides of the apprenticeship.

Due to COVID, we have yet been able to go to the office and join in-person activities. There are many social activities often held within the smaller teams you work in, ranging from weekly socials where you can catch-up to more planned activities outside of the office. There is a gym with sports classes available at the office, and the role gives plenty of discounts for other activities. There are many clubs you can join that range from sports, to cultural celebration committees. I love the range.

Yes

100% would recommend. The firm are brilliant - offering quality support from day one, introducing you to every aspect of the role from how to code, to how to complete your timesheets. The team are lovely, everyone willing to help or to teach you new skills, and are all extremely friendly. It truly is like a family.

The application process is not just about grades and qualifications - it's about the experience and the passion for software engineering - or your drive to have so if you have not worked with technology before. You need to be dedicated and enthusiastic, and be willing to make a difference, and support a busy but close team. The assessment days (online) are not as scary and they might seem - with the interviewers being friendly and wanting to know about YOU and not just your grades or a scripted answer to a question.