Software Engineer Review

My role involves providing live support for the sub domain that my team provides operational support for. This can vary from responding to live issues such as outages, crashes or other various failures, to working on bug fixes and improvements that we test and then deploy into the live environment.

During my time on this team, I have developed my QA / testing ability significantly, as I have been involved in the creation of complex test cases, as well as the building and updating of an automated testing environment. Also, I have begun to develop my Java skills while working on bug fixes and improvements.

While work loads can vary, this programme provides various complex technical challenges that are often engaging and rewarding when resolved. The university aspect of the programme has been frustrating at times due to some expectations being unrealistic considering we all work full time jobs, but the university has been generally quick to respond to feedback.

Some aspects feel well structured and organised, while others feel less planned out. There have been instances of several overlapping deadlines for university modules during very busy times of the year for most people, which led to some people on the programme becoming very stressed. However, criticism of this was responded to, and extensions were given for some deadlines.

While the EET team takes a fairly hands off approach to the day to day workings of apprentices and their teams, support is always available if it is needed. The EET team have a large network of supportive people, as well as resources that can be used by apprentices to resolve their issues.

The university offers foundational Maths and English support to any students who may struggle in those areas, and frequently references this support in communications to ensure all students are aware that it is available. For support with specific modules, lecturers are often forthcoming with how and when to contact them if you need further help with understanding a specific topic.

While the university modules have provided me with some further understanding of topics that are relevant to my job role, generally the two do not have much overlap. I am aware that as the course becomes more specialised in the future, this will change, but for now there is not much of an impact on my working skills.

Such activities are often advertised in the EET Teams Channel, where you can find details on the events that are being offered. Some events that are open to the entire organisation, rather than just the EET network, are advertised via the "What's On?" emails that are sent out on a regular basis.

Yes

There are many opportunities for growth at Capgemini, and so far I have felt that my skills and contributions to my project have been valued, despite my junior position when compared to some of my colleagues. There is lots of support in place for those who are struggling, and reaching out for this support is encouraged, rather than looked down on.

Make sure you express yourself and your passions to the fullest extent possible. Capgemini is looking for strong people, as opposed to those who merely have strong skills. Anyone can be taught how to code, manage projects, or build a test, but working well in a team, being a supportive colleague, and inspiring others around you are skills that cannot be taught as easy, and speak to the quality of your personality.