IBM Z DevOps Client Technical Specialist Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role is IBM Z Client Technical Specialist which involves me presenting demonstrations of IBM products to IBM Z (Mainframe) customs such as large UK banks.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have become a much better programmer since I started my apprenticeship at IBM and I have learned COBOL as well as Python. Also, my soft skills have improved drastically and I feel much more comfortable around other people.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The extent to which you will enjoy the programme depends heavily on the role that you are placed in - if you are in a role where you are involved with something that you are passionate about, you will enjoy the programme a lot more.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There is a clearly defined review board process and managerial hierarchy in IBM however, Northeastern University (our programme provider) lacks organisation - Campus ID badges and timetables for University bootcamp are not sent in a timely manor. There are issues with the online course content delivery system frequently also.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I feel as though my employer fully supports me in my studies and the pursuit of knowledge. I always feel as though I have somebody to speak to within IBM.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

We have the option to reach out to our training provider over Gmail if we have any questions and the course leaders are usually very responsive.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It depends heavily on your role as to how the qualification will affect your performance. The qualification is a mixture of many different topics in the first and second years covering data analytics, databases, Python programming and business fundamentals. The programming content has been helpful to me.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities for employers to get involved with at IBM.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Since joining IBM, I have the opportunity to move to another city which I would never have done otherwise. The people are very friendly and I enjoy working with them. The skills that I have learned since joining the company have made me a happier, better person.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

I recommend showing your passion to your interviewer/employeer and to be open to new experiences.