Software Placement Student Review

I enjoyed my placement very much. So much so as I still work there now whilst studying for my final year at Bournemouth University. There was much to learn within the Software Department and being exposed to different areas of the business. The work was interesting and I was learning new things every day and gradually becoming more independent in my tasks.

I felt extremely valued. I was treated like a part of the team and no one thought any differently of me because I was a student. I was treated the same way as people whom had worked at the company for over 20 years and that helped me settle into the new working environment. I was also given high priority tasks to complete for customers so that also made me feel valued and trusted.

Throughout the placement I was given support by management, supervisors and fellow colleagues. If I ever needed help there would be someone willing to take time out to help explain something to me that I didn't understand. Regular progress reviews also helped me keep on track and helped me better myself in a professional manner.

There was always work for me to do and I got to explore other areas of the company so I got to write my own software, fix defects in existing code and also test software and report any defects I found as well as writing documents and doing code reviews on other peoples work. I would never be sat there with nothing to do.

To begin with I was given small tasks to help me to get to know the systems that the company uses but after a few months I was being given several tasks that I would have to prioritise and and work to tight deadlines to complete. As I mentioned above I felt like a full member of the team and felt trusted to carry out tasks by myself but could also ask for help if I needed it.

My placement year influenced my final year unit choices. Prior to placement I was studying Forensic Computing and Security but have now changed my path way to Software Engineering so I could apply the knowledge I had gained over the 13 months at ASM Assembly Systems to my assignments in the final year. I would like to continue to work at ASM after I graduate as it was a great place to work at and also the people who I got to work with made it a great experience too.

It is a professional environment but with the freedom to go to the coffee area and have a chat over a drink with your colleagues for a break in between work. Everyone is friendly and you get to know the people around you quite well. Generally a good atmosphere and a nice work area.

Very well organised from the open day to starting. The open day was informative and you got to meet the people who would potentially interview you so that was a nice icebreaker. You got to meet other managers within the company. I was promptly given an interview date and got a tour of the factory and offices. I also got a prompt job offer too which was great as it is anxious waiting around for people to call.

I was given company standard training materials to complete which helped me to get to know the conduct of the company. I was also enrolled on a online training program which I could view materials on different subjects and get information and learn new things. I was given a one day training course but that was for only SMT machines and I worked in the Solar department so a training course for Solar would of been nice.

I am currently working under a zero hour contract with the company whilst attending my final year. I would like to return to ASM Assembly Systems after I graduate if there was a position open for me as I really enjoy working there and it would be a great place to start my career in industry.

The placement students would socialise at tea breaks and some would partake in sports and social club activities together and some out of work activities from time to time. I socialised with MICHAEL WILKES quite often as we car shared for travel between Bournemouth and Weymouth for the placement year which saved us a bit of money each.

I commuted from Bournemouth but attended a few work socials in the Weymouth area. It is mid-range but not really a lot to do but people who live in the area can give you tips on things to do and in the surrounding areas.

There are many bars in Weymouth and the staff that live locally know all the best places to go on a night out. I myself could never stay out in Weymouth long as I had to get back to Bournemouth before the last train left but overall there are some nice bars to go to along the beach front and other places that have live bands and other events like pub quizzes.

There were team outings organised and sports and social club funds football, cricket and badminton after work once a week for people to go and enjoy some sports. The company also organises a christmas party which costs £5 for a 3 course meal and there is live music. In the summer there is a summer party event which is free and you can bring your family for activities, there is food provided and bar on site with live music in the evening.