Software Engineering Intern

Ramona Mahon

Computer Science and IT

Placement (10 Months+)

ASOS

What was the interview process like?

I applied through their careers site. I'm an ASOS customer so wanted to mix my love of fashion and tech. I had a couple of telephone calls, one with more technical questions. I attended an assessment centre with a mix of group and individual activities.

How much responsibility do you have?

I have the right amount of responsibility as an intern. I learn something new every day and the more I learn, the more I can pick up tasks. ASOS has a really organised approach to software development so everyone on the team knows what everyone is doing.

What advice would you give to students applying for your role?

You need to love technology and love what you do. Be honest about what you'e interested in. As part of the interview process I was asked what most interested me. I love UX and UI Interfaces and so I have been assigned to the Mobile team, which I love.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I like that I am always given stuff to do and am trusted to do it. It really made me feel like part of the team straight away. I also love that I am always learning new things.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Now I am working in Mobile I am learning a whole new programming language. It's something I never thought I would learn when I was at university. I've dived straight in!

Describe your biggest achievement.

I'm really proud of having the same level of responsibility as others in my team, even though I am on a placement year. If there a task that needs doing, like a bug fix on the app, I'm trusted to have it assigned to me and my team knows I will fix it.

How has this experience exceeded your expectations?

The level of teamwork. The teams are great and so organised. Everyone communicates so well with each other and the processes are so clear.

What is the office atmosphere like?

Very friendly and sociable. Everyone wants to get to know you! It's also relaxed, I don't feel under pressure all the time but I do feel like I am always encouraged to learn something new.

What activities are there outside of work?

There are big events like our summer and Xmas parties as well as monthly drinks in the office. You can also get involved with the ASOS Foundation. I go to the pub with my team and the other interns and go to lunch every day with other interns.

How promising are the graduate prospects?

I'm considering a masters degree but if not I know there will be an opportunity to come back to ASOS, either through the Tech grad scheme or as an Associate Developer. There are grad-level jobs for pretty much any department you can think of at ASOS.