a graduate

programme
use the arrows on screen / keyboard to navigate
06
a little
about us

why you want about our

to be a bbd programme
grad

8 10
 32 38 47
swag+ your career join the next
at bbd class of bbd
grads

our experts the kinds of the path to

solutions you’ll grad-dom
be working on

22 37 48
 welcome to bbd’s
graduate programme
Our programme isn’t just run of the mill. We’re committed to bridging
the gap between what you learn in university and the skills you need
to thrive at BBD and in the IT industry as a whole.

Did you know our CEO started at the company as a grad? Keep an
eye out for our from grad to stories for some of the career journeys
previous grad class members have had over the years.

Our grads learn fast, work hard and are exposed to a myriad of
technologies and languages. They play with technologies, grow
technically and personally all while diving into project teams as
permanent BBD employees.

It really is an incredible first year in the industry, and we can’t wait

for you to join us!

4 www.bbdsoftware.com
www.bbdsoftware.com 5
 what
we do
We’re an international software development firm
with our roots in South Africa. Having been gaining
experience in diverse industries for almost four
decades, we have a track record for delivering
transformative software applications and systems
for large and small-scale clients around the world.

A technology and cloud agnostic company,

members of team BBD gain extensive experience
in modern tech stacks, cloud technologies
and a wide variety of methodologies. We make
systems and applications quicker, effective and
more intuitive for every kind of person on a daily
basis while helping uplift a wide range of social
programmes using technology.

We offer a variety of services into the education,

financial services, gaming, insurance, public and
telecoms sectors.

6 www.bbdsoftware.com
 our core
services
Digital strategy Software development
Starting with an analysis of technological and We design and implement software that will optimise
business landscapes, we create and integrate new and automate differentiated business strategies.
and existing solutions that will optimise business We don’t sell products, we create tech solutions for
processes. individual business problems.

Tech and business consulting Systems and integration

Our experts help companies realise their business As tech constantly evolves, so too must our solutions.
strategy through technology. We offer digital health We are specialists at integrating new and existing
assessments and advise on the best approach and platforms into any environment and navigating the
tech to keep our clients at the forefront of innovation. challenges that come with it.

Cloud enablement Maintenance and support

As a cloud enabler we leverage extensive experience We employ best practice techniques to keep
and expertise to bring infrastructure and software systems streamlined and stress free. We maximise
into the cloud - ensuring our clients are fit for an programmes, increase system productivity, reduce
increasingly cloud-based future. downtime, and ensure a stable digital environment.

www.bbdsoftware.com 7
 why you It’s your way to learn

want to be
We value enthusiasm, passion, talent and the willingness to work hard
and believe in the benefits of continuous learning. We’re dedicated to

a bbd grad
passing this on to any grad who joins team BBD through our one of a
kind company culture.

Based on a heap of research and almost four decades in the industry,

our programme not only further develops your core programming
language skills, but also grows your knowledge in a host of modern
technologies, tools, applications and methodologies through a
combination of group and individual-based learning. On top of this you’ll
learn the soft skills needed to flourish in our delivery teams. With the help
of a host of tech experts and dedicated advisors and mentors, you’ll dive
into real solutions, tackle coding challenges head on, and definitely have
a blast while doing it!

You will also begin to build a network within your grad class, the
tech community and the company that expands your view of what
opportunities are out there and your ability to jump at them.
This really is a year you’ll never forget.

8
It’s your way to grow

Our year-long programme shapes you into a

professional who can step into any team and perform.

With our dedicated grad training team, we guide you

through the year to make sure your transition into a
junior IT professional is not only seamless, but that
you have every chance to grow into a key member of
your respective team, and the company as a whole.

Our commitment throughout your career at BBD is

to help you grab every opportunity across different
technologies, sectors and solutions so that you can
make a really positive impact not only on every team
you’re a part of, but also for countless people using
our software in their daily lives.

www.bbdsoftware.com 9
 Programme breakdown

We’ve broken the programme down

into four key areas, each helping you
get more tech savvy and comfortable
with what you need to know so that
you can thrive in this industry.

They are: deeper tech knowledge,

individualised learning, project
experience and learning through fun.

10
 deeper tech
knowledge

C# Java JavaScript Databases

• C# fundamentals • Java fundamentals • JavaScript fundamentals • Relational databases
• Object-orientation • Object-orientation • Syntax fundamentals • SQL Server
• Memory management • Memory management • TypeScript • Data definition language
• Testing • Testing • Angular and React concepts
• .Net Core • Spring fundamentals • Data manipulation language
concepts
• Normalisation

System design Web Security fundamentals Cloud

• Design concept • HTML and CSS • Authentication • Cloud fundementals
fundamentals fundamentals • Authorisation • Cloud native development
• Design patterns • Graphics and scripting • Auth • Containerisation
• Service design • Intro to JavaScript • WASP • DevOps
• Architectural principles • Penetration testing • Cloud certification

www.bbdsoftware.com 11
 individualised • Personalised learning journey
• Dedicated advisor
learning • Access to valuable highly rated material
• Collaboration with industry experts
• Self-directed assisted learning
• Meeting personal technical goals

project • Hands-on experience

• Dedicated mentor
experience • Build in your primary language
• Small to large teams
• Collaborative work
• Team-based learning

learning • Hackathons
• Game jams
through fun • Tech talks
• Battle Dex
• Guest lectures

12 www.bbdsoftware.com
wondering how
we teach?
After a lot of research into how best to pass on our knowledge and
upskill the grads that take part in our programme, we’ve outlined a
strategic intent that combines different learning strategies that make
sure that no matter how best you learn, you’re covered.

Our key learning areas are taught through a combination of online,

in-class, group and individual learning techniques. You learn through
playing with and trying out different techs and then also developing the
skills of having to present your projects and thinking. As a BBD grad you
gain real understanding through on-the-job experience and by tackling
new challenges you haven’t faced or solved before.

We’ve also made sure to include clear online documentation throughout,

as well as access to Pluralsight and ample opportunities for you to
showcase and apply your new skills in different environments.

www.bbdsoftware.com 13
 Charlene Cooke
Exec
class of 2005
My first project when I started as a
grad was building a system for one
of Africa’s biggest telecom providers.
The thing I love most about BBD is the
opportunity to learn and grow. I love that
the opportunities are equal, regardless
of age, race, gender or religion.

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Some of our people have been with us
for over 30 years! Can you imagine all the
lessons they’ve learnt in that time?
As a BBD grad, you have the opportunity to
meet, engage and work with the over 1 000
incredibly talented and experienced people.
Among these BBDers lies many specialists
in different technologies and business
domains.
We have highly qualified professionals,
cloud computing experts, DevOps
evangelists, Scrum Masters, Doctors of
Computer Sciences and professional
members of the IITPSA. We have people
with over 20 years experiences in financial
services technology individually and world-
acknowledged specialists in credit risk.
In our ranks we have people who have
dominated the complex world of the sectors
they work in. And these are the kinds of
professionals our grads get regular face-to-
face time with.
Curiosity and creativity are crucial in
everything we do. It is in our nature as
BBD to encourage and support everyone
in channelling these traits. Throughout our
programme we’ve built in times for you to
immerse yourself in the lessons the rest of
the business have to teach you.
Every BBD expert is your teacher. Our
knowledgeable techies, team leads and
executives cannot wait to share the cool
stuff they know with you. Pay attention, do
the hard graft, and they will turn you into a
software rockstar with the potential to add
huge value to the world around you.
www.bbdsoftware.com 23
 Thabang Ledwaba
Software engineer
class of 2013
I started as a grad in the class of
2013. Over the years I have worked on
projects in the banking and telecom
spaces. One of the things I love about
BBD is you get to learn a lot – not just
about the company but about yourself,
both technically and personally.

My advice to any grad is to come in and

want to learn.

24 www.bbdsoftware.com
(from grad to)

www.bbdsoftware.com 25
Talented young grads bring fresh energy, new ideas and
enthusiasm to any industry. As a company with a unique
culture and a deep understanding that flexibility and
continuous learning are crucial, we have always understood
the value bright young graduates bring into our teams.
A lot of this thinking started with our Directors who are
passionate about educating the youth, growing the industry,
and employing newly qualified individuals to join our business.
Because of this, our grad programme has kind of been around
as long as we have – that’s more than 37 years! Although
not always as formalised as it is now, it’s had a colourful and
exciting journey growing into the game changer it is today.
Here’s a look back at how the programme has grown to where
it is now.
26
At first, grads would come in and join project teams right
from the start. Here the real-life experience on client systems
along with the input from their teammates would help upskill
and grow their natural talent. This worked well, but we knew
that there were a few holes in the grads’ knowledge and with
a little bit of extra attention and training, we could take their
eagerness to learn more and help quickly boost the trajectory
of their careers.
So we started bootcamps with the help of our dedicated
research and development team – ATC. Because of the way
the industry was at that time, a large focus for these bootcamps
was Microsoft-based training. These bootcamps helped our
grads feel more confident and allowed them to quickly settle
into their teams. As with every programme though, evolution is
inevitable.
As the company matured, we realised that the nature of our
training for grads needed to expand and that it was time to
formalise what we were doing with the grads joining the company.
Based on the concept of a journeyman, someone who is a
worker, skilled in a given craft who has successfully completed
an apprenticeship, we started the BBD Appie School (you know,
“appie” for apprentice). The goal was to teach them as much
as we could – personally and technically so that we could not
only broaden their familiarity with different technologies, but also
develop them as true BBDers.
The Appie School ran after hours, usually on Wednesdays
between 4pm and 7pm. We’d give homework on a specific
technical topic and the grads had to complete a group project
every month and then demo these to the company. The first year
was so successful that we decided to extend the leader / lecturer
role and include more people with diverse knowledge from within
the business. We also had the previous year’s grads come back
and pass on what they had learnt. After three years the School
evolved to the next phase of its lifecycle.
With the growth in the industry and a call from universities for
companies to get more involved, we took part in the Innovation
Hub, a programme aimed at post-grad students which was
an extension of workplace learning. BBD was a sponsor in this
programme, meaning that we interviewed and chose students to
come work with us throughout their last years in study. We did a
lot of technical training and it was because of this Hub that our
focus shifted back to work-place training.
www.bbdsoftware.com 27
With grads continuing to join the company and our delivery
teams, the next step was to go back to more structured
bootcamps. For a week each month, the grads left their teams
to take part in classroom style bootcamps where they were
upskilled in a host of modern technologies. We tightened
the process on group project implementation and included
a hackathon that ran in parallel with Esc@pe – BBD’s annual
internal technology conference (just wait till you take part!).
This gave our grads the opportunity to engage with the wider
business and show off what they’d spent the year learning. We
balanced experience with intense training and the programme
became more and more recognised within the business.
28
It was here that we also started actively engaging with students
at universities.
Around this time we were opening our offices in India with the
industry and our clients better embracing the idea of remote
or distributed development. To round out the education we
were giving our grads, and do something different and fun with
them – we decided to take them to India so that they had the
chance to learn first-hand what remote work was all about while
meeting more of the global BBD family and experiencing the
tastes, sounds and adventures India has to offer.
As the programme grew and because our grads so quickly
became crucial to our teams after joining, the week away
for bootcamps each month became disruptive. In 2017 we
switched things up again and made the grad programme
official, outlining an annual schedule that set out what, when
and how the grads were going to grow throughout the year.
We introduced a new gamified programme that not only
ensured a deeper exposure to core technologies, but also
made sure that the grads had dedicated mentors and advisors
– both within their teams and in the company.
As the first implementation of BBD’s continuous learning
programme, this new format now included classroom, group
and individualised learning styles. It focused on personalised
learning goals that our grads worked towards throughout the
year, while still diving into solutions and learning for themselves
what being a BBDer is all about. Of course, we also made sure
to pack the programme with all the fun stuff too – game jams,
hackathons, tech talks, brown bags and a few other things we
like to keep a secret.
Through it all we’ve listened to each class of grads, learning
from what they’ve said we’ve done right and what they thought
we could improve on.
This journey has resulted in a pretty darn awesome grad
programme which you’ll embark on when you join our class of
grads. We’re excited to see how you take your turn to make it
even better!
www.bbdsoftware.com 29
30 www.bbdsoftware.com
 David Xavier
Exec
class of 2007
I started in the class of 2007 as a junior
Java developer and can still remember
my first feature where I caused a
performance issue on production. I
thought I knew how to code. At BBD the
growth has been amazing - I’ve gone
from a junior to leading a large team.

www.bbdsoftware.com 31
Working at BBD and being one of our grads comes with a bunch of perks.
Here’s just a taste of what’s in store for each grad class.

• A permanant position as a junior BBDer • Personal advisors

working on real solutions • Pizza and beer afternoons
• A year of being on the grad programme • Access to Pluralsight
• Hands on experience with knowledgeable • Tech talks
and highly talented BBD teams • Grad trip
• Epic team builds with your team • Guest speakers
• Facetime with experienced BBDers across • Battle Dex
the business • BBD swag
• Working in BBD’s flat structure, you work • Continuous learning in a technology
alongside execs and directors direction of your choice
• Opportunity to be part of BBD’s ecosystem • BBD company-wide events
of opportunity, technologies, industries • Monthly awards for staff recognition
and geographies • And so much more...
• Regular feedback and recognition of
your efforts

www.bbdsoftware.com 33
 Kevin Staples
CEO
class of 1996
I started at BBD in the class of 1996 and am one of
the original grads. Over the years I’ve developed a
number of technical specialisations in low latency
and very high load systems as well as complex
high availability and resilience within systems. My
recommendation to a new grad starting with us
would be to stick close to your areas of expertise and
become exceptional at it. If you’re very good and
adding value, you’ll quickly stand out as someone
who makes a difference and the opportunities to
get involved in leadership and business aspects will
naturally follow.

34 www.bbdsoftware.com
www.bbdsoftware.com 35
 why we’re the
best at what
we do

We couldn’t do what we do without our highly

talented and knowledgeable IT professionals.
There’s a reason our teams are regarded as the
best in the business.

With a high entrance bar set through our technical

challenges, we don’t compromise on the skills
we have in the company. This means that you’ll
always be working with and learning from other
great minds... There’s no way you won’t find
inspiration here!

36 www.bbdsoftware.com
the kinds of
solutions you’ll
be working on

Our teams deliver a host of services into different environments, and we use too many
technologies to ever list. The important thing for anyone joining our grad programme to
know though, is that no two solutions are ever the same. From mobile to full stack web
development, architectural design, platform engineering, custom development, natural
language processing, bespoke applications, data-driven dashboards and all things
cloud – there is no one-size-fits-all in any BBD delivery.

As part of our class of grads, you’ll integrate into these teams across the company,
sometimes working onsite at one of our offices other times based at client sites. We do
our best to align you with a team that will fit your primary technology interest and as
close to home as possible but obviously if you want to launch SpaceX rocket ships or live
in Kaktovik, Alaska that will be tough.

You’ll be working in our delivery teams, solving intricate problems, building your skillset
and gaining invaluable experience at a leading software development firm.

www.bbdsoftware.com 37
 your career
at bbd
We don’t believe in making career choices for you.
At BBD, you own your career.
As a company of individuals, each person at BBD
has achieved their own personal career goals.
It’s a part of our culture to give every person on
every team the opportunity to excel and develop,
regardless of how long they’ve been in the industry.
To help you reach this potential we offer a dedicated
and gamified continuous learning programme - the
Hero’s Journey - that gives you the chance to follow
the path of learning to conquer new technologies
and learn the skills you need to master your career.
We run a host of internal learning initiatives where
38 www.bbdsoftware.com
you can sharpen your skills in a new technology
throughout the year, as well as support for external
and online certifications and courses.
We also encourage and promote flexibility so that
you can gain exposure to different methodologies
and team environments in the variety of sectors we
work in. With everything from enterprise to start-up
companies as clients around the globe, you don’t
have to leave BBD to try something new.
With us you could be the next CEO, project exec,
world-renowned expert or technical specialist.
more than a
day’s graft

Being a BBDer means more than another day’s slog at a company

where you’re one in a crowd. With us you can understand how
balance is key to any great company culture. We breathe a whatever
it takes attitude to make sure that we continuously deliver the best
we can. We are all about diversity of experience: the pressure and
satisfaction of tough solutions well delivered, exposure to diverse
technologies, experience across geographies and industries,
and formal learning all combined with space for socialising or
just unwinding.

You take part in awesome team builds, enjoy cultural exchanges, play
with tech and attend great internal and external events. From a casual
break away session over a game of pool or table tennis in our games
rooms to our annual Bierfest (yes, our teams make their own delicious
craft beers), Esc@pe, Mid Year, Year End, tech talks, community
nights or a Friday afternoon drink with the team – we definitely know
how to let our hair down when we need to.

39
40 www.bbdsoftware.com
 Ricardo Pinto
Exec
class of 2005
I began my journey with BBD as part
of the class of 2005 and now am a
director and principle engineer in
cloud native technologies here in
BBD UK. I encourage all new grads
to take advantage of the broader BBD
community – soak it in, develop your
passions, communicate them, stay
engaged and never stop learning.

www.bbdsoftware.com 41
 The Grad Programme has taught me
not to be afraid to take the path that
challenges you the most - Pholosho

42
My favourite day of the programme
is always the last day of each
module when you present your
group projects. You get the reward
of seeing everything you’ve learnt
and done coming together - Sam
The Grad Programme is really great
because it has taught me project
management skills and working in a
team. Because you change teams,
you also get the opportunity to work
with a lot of different people - Lauren
My favourite grad programme
moment is probably the first day
when you’re given state of the art
equipment and you immediately feel
a part of the BBD family. It’s fantastic
to work with such experts in the IT
industry on a daily basis! - Marius
www.bbdsoftware.com 43
The Grad Programme always
presents you with challenges,
pushing you to do more and to try
something new - Armin
44 www.bbdsoftware.com
The Grad Programme has really
showed me what is required of me
as a software engineer and how I
can go about growing my career
going forward - Thato
When you start the Grad
Programme you get the chance
to form relationships. You get the
chance to see how other people
think, and how their thought
processes evolve - Stuart
I think the best thing about being a
grad here is the culture. BBD has
amazing people and there’s so
much you can learn from each one
of them! - Eddie
What is nice about BBD as a whole
is that they provide us with a lot of
learning material so not only can I
find my solution in that, but I can
also find out why that particular
problem arose - Bradley
Since joining the programme I have
never once been in my comfort
zone… but that is what has really
helped me grow - Sasja
www.bbdsoftware.com 45
tick some
boxes

To join BBD’s class of grads you’ll need to tick a few boxes:

• Be newly qualified in an engineering or software related discipline

with excellent coding skills
• Have graduated with a degree or post graduate degree from a
recognised university or have a WeThinkCode_ certification
• Have a high academic average
• Be passionate about building software and creatively solving issues
and bugs
• Be immersed in and engaged with technology or coding over and
above your formal education. Pop us a link to personal code projects
on GitHub or similar (if you have)

During the application process you’ll need a few docs handy:

• Updated CV
• Copy of your ID
• Copy of your latest transcripts, results or Matric certificate
join the next class
of bbd grads

We’ve made it really simple. Just scan here

and complete the steps

Or head on over to bbdsoftware.com/open-positions

Have any questions?

We’re friendly, we promise.
Email info@bbdsofware.com and the right BBDers
will get back to you!

47
 1. Screen CVs
We’ll look at your CV
to learn all about your
background, interests,
passions and tech ability.
If you’re what we’re looking
for, we’ll move you to step 2
48
2. Technical Challenge
Time to put your skills into
action with our software
engineering technical
challenge
3. Interviews
It’s not just about your
technical skills, but your
approach and culture fit as
well – our interview stage is
to validate these and get to
know you better
4. Offer
If you’re successful, we’ll
offer you a spot in our Grad
Programme
5. Join your class of grads!
With the formalities out the
way – let’s get cracking with
the good stuff
www.bbdsoftware.com 49
50
research and development
development frameworks
learning on t he job
just a paycheck
a career
a graduate programme

www.bbdsoftware.com 51
52 www.bbdsoftware.com
www.bbdsoftware.com 53
 If you’re lucky enough to have the inside
who is track or if you’re following our social media
barney... channels (and if not you absolutely should!)
you would notice the occasional presence
of a certain purple dinosaur. Now, Barney
and BBD may not be the most obvious
pairing, so let’s take a peek at how it all
came about.
Way back in the early 2010s, Barney was
presented as the company mascot as a joke
between teams. After making a small boo-
boo on a project, he was given to a couple
BBDers where, as punishment, they had to
take him with wherever they went. This was
the start of Barney’s adventures with BBD.
He went on trips around the world, to places
like the ZangJiaJie Mountains where Avatar
54
was filmed, Central Park in the USA, Israel,
Disney World, the Vaal with a couple burley
bikers, sailing the open oceans and to the
Eiffel Tower. After all of this travelling, the jet
lag set in and Barney was left to rest for a
little while.
When the time came for the first grad trip
to India, a challenge was decreed for
the grads to have him present for every
experience – each adventure, dinner,
coding challenge and night out. The trick
was that they had to keep him safe from any
other BBDer at all times. If anyone got hold
of Barney, snuck him away or sent Barney
flying into the airport traffic over a bridge
(this actually happened, but what happens
on tour, stays on tour), then fines would be
issued.
And so started an all-out war.

Each year Barney has increasingly exciting side-trips.

He has “accidently” been dropped in rivers, hidden in
luggage for an entire day (note to self: do not forget
Barney while you grab breakfast and then not look for
him for half a day) and rocked out on stage with a live
band who didn’t really want to give him back.

As a true BBD mascot, we have to ask what mischief

he’ll get up to with future classes. The future is yours
to define.

How good’s your attention to detail? Can you find

Barney on every spread? We’ve done you a favour
and already found this one.

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