Technology Engineer Review

My role is a developmental one, focusing on creating high quality minimum viable products in order to provide clients with a proof of concept that provides value to the client. This involves coding in JavaScript using ReactJS and NodeJS, as well as learning and utilising IBM technologies within the projects.

During my time at IBM I have been taught a great amount of skills. A large focus at the beginning was presentation skills. After that I was taught more technical skills, including JavaScript, React, NodeJS, Git, RedHat OpenShift Container Platform and more. I was provided with every training I needed.

I enjoy the structure of my programme, where I spend one day a week in university, allowing me to meet other people and to experience the university. I also enjoy working in development, so I feel my role is well suited to me and I feel comfortable with the people around me, making the experience all the more better.

My programme consists of one university day and then 4 days of work. In university there is a set timetable with planned lessons and content. You are able to ask questions to lecturers throughout the week, allowing you to get on with other tasks while waiting for your query to be answered. In IBM you are able to ask for extra study time as well.

As soon as I started my role, I was given a buddy as a point of contact for support on top of my foundation and task managers. There is also lots of learning materials provided online for you to learn from and earn digital credentials with. This works great with the buddy system, as they can suggests some learning and help you with it.

I am able to ask my university lecturers for support in person, where they will run through the problem with me, or via email when I am not at university, where they will get back to me when they can. There is also a great deal of online resources for further support, including study skills webinars.

My qualification involves me learning programming concepts and practices, both of which I can apply in my role to solve problems efficiently and effectively, even if I am not writing in the same programming language that was taught at university. I was also taught web development skills, which allow me to develop websites in my role.

IBM offers a multitude of extra-curricular events. Some networking events consist of roundtables with senior or executive staff and social events focused on networking. Other social activities include lunch and learns, barbecues, Christmas parties and socials planned within different groups (e.g your office colleagues or your department colleagues). On top of this, there are many events held, focused on learning about different cultures that you can attend. For those into sports, there are also a variety of events from football games to charity runs that you can participate in.

Yes

IBM is a great place to work. There is plenty of support from a great variety of people and lot's of people with different expertises to learn from. The company culture is great and creates a comfortable environment to work in. You are also able to voice concerns easily and have them acted upon, providing a great experience.

A great tip for applying to IBM is to do extensive research into the company. Look not only at the current endeavours that IBM is involved in, but also the roots of the company. IBM also has many applicants, so it's worth having something to help you standout on your application, such as some programming course completions.