Undergraduate Software Engineer Review

The internship was very enjoyable with many opportunities to get involved in various projects around the company. The internship gave me a main insight into two areas of the business which was my main day-to-day job and focused on developing skills needed in a workplace as well as technical skills for my job.

During the placement I felt welcome by all the teams that I have worked in. My managers were approachable and would listen and help with any queries I had with the work I was doing. All the people I have worked with within the teams would always be on hand to help with any issues I had, and had helpful recommendations on what to do and where to go next.

My managers for all my placements gave me helpful advice, and provided me with information to help choose my future placements within the company. They were always on hand, and put aside time to talk with me through different options and what is available. They also provide standard compulsory training through an online portal.

On the majority on days I would be busy, managing my time for several different objectives for my main placement, whilst also handling extra stretch objectives during the day. Most days I would have 1/2 meetings, and also have a few objectives to meet that day. On the less busy days I would carry out any additional training, or ask my manager for additional work which would be provided.

As the software being developed is required to meet specific safety standards there is responsibility on the developer, and on the reviewers to ensure the software is correct, of which I did. The work I produced was also required for specific deadlines as it was required for the software release, hence if its delayed, you could delay the software release.

During my placement I have developed many of my skills. The most important will be project management skills, as this will help with managing my time for my final year project. I have also developed better coding practices through the work I have done at BAE Systems and realise the advantages of having thorough documentation and design work when developing software.

Throughout my placement the atmosphere in the offices was fairly relaxed with very little pressure except before and during a scheduled release. Everyone was friendly, and most people take a tea break to catch up with other people in the office. There is also an on-site starbucks where you can meet with other interns and catch up.

Overall the internship was fairly well organised with set dates for moving to different departments, however they are fairly flexible depending on the conditions. There are also additional assignments which you can do which are outside of your day to day job which give you an insight into what else is happening around the company.

The company provides you with mandatory training through an online portal. As a developer there are also additional courses they will enrol you in, such as the Ada course, to extend you knowledge. Alot of the development is handled via the projects that you are given as I was given the opportunity to start and manage a team to meet specific objectives related to the Typhoon project which has greatly developed my project management skills.

If I am offered a position on the Graduate Development Framework I will accept as there are many other departments which I have not been able to work in and many more opportunities that are available for a graduate. There is also the possibility of working in other lines of business as a graduate to give you more exposure to the rest of the company.

There were a few events during the year to socialise, mainly organised by a team of graduates. Everybody was quite spread out in terms of living, which made organising social meetups was quite difficult, hence most of the socialising happened at work, mainly meeting for lunch or chatting during a break.

During my internship I lived in Preston and used the public transport system to get into work. Rent was typical priced depending on where you lived and the bus system can get you to right outside the main gate. The city centre had a few clubs, and the local university UCLAN, means that there are student nights throughout the week. Manchester is a 40-50min train ride away and the trains a fairly regular.

Nightlife was okay, however mainly aimed towards 25+ then students on the weekends. During the week I didn't go out due to a busy work day.

During the week there are indoor and outdoor football games which run, also cycling is a big hobby for some of the guys and they organise weekend bike rides. The company also organises events with charities to raise money.