Software Engineer Review
by GCHQ
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.8
-
The Company
4.5
-
The Culture
3.4
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I was able to work independently on interesting projects. Later into the placement I had the freedom to choose my own projects, so could fit the work I was doing to suit my interests.
Very valued – the majority of the programs I wrote are used on a daily basis. I felt like I was a part of the team, and felt that when I had something to say it was listened to.
I was left to get on with my work independently, but whenever I needed help with something, someone would always be willing to help. I got excellent help on any paperwork that needed to be done, along with any business related activities that had to be done.
Most of the time I had projects to work on, but occasionally there would be quiet times. If I had too much work to do, it was usually possible to ease this.
Had full responsibility for several highly used programs.
My programming skills are much better now than when I came in, and I feel I have learnt far more at work than I did at uni. I was also given assistance on project ideas for my final year project.
The Company
Very fun, lots of days out with the team (Thorpe Park, ice skating, pub). People in the office were always willing to help or explain something. Most people were generally laid back, and were able to have fun in the office, but get things done quickly when they needed to be.
Very well organised. What had to be done was clearly communicated. The placement team were easy to get hold of if there was a problem that needed to be sorted.
I had no formal training, but I received a lot of on the job training, so I quickly learnt a lot of new skills that I would never have learnt at uni.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
I hope to come back. It is encouraged to move around within the department, so you gain a lot of exposure to different jobs, while staying in the same company. The work is also very interesting compared to most jobs, even if the pay doesn’t increase as quickly as it would in the private sector.
The Culture
Lots of trips to the pubs.
It is reasonably expensive, but the pay is higher than a normal placement, so it balances out.
Good nightlife for a small town. Lots of clubs, pubs, excellent restaurants. The comedy scene is excellent, although the music scene is poor.
There are lots of sports clubs you can get involved with, including a department football league.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Computer Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology
South West
November 2011
