Software, Test and Quality Engineer Review

Overall, the placement was fantastic. I met lots of great people, and whilst the work was often challenging, it was always interesting and a brilliant learning experience.

I was immediately welcomed as part of the team and treat like any other member of staff. The work I was given was real work, on real projects, and I felt my contribution was valued.

There was always help at hand when I needed in, in numerous forms. Apart from my team mates, I was provided a mentor for software engineering, introduced to graduates and other members of staff who were able to help with specific problems, and managers were always attentive.

I always had enough work to keep me busy, without having too much of the load placed solely on me. At times when there was little work that would be suitable for me (though not often), I was given smaller research and development projects to work on.

The level of responsibility I was given reflected the fact that I was a placement student and so should not be expected to be accountable for projects on the whole, though the work I was given was still important and relevant.

My software engineering skills in particular improved massively during the course of my placement. In addition, my analytic skills, knowledge of business practices, and presentation and communication skills have also hugely benefited from the support I was given at Thales.

Whilst the work that the company carries out is of a serious nature, there was a good rapport between all employees that I came across and I was never made to feel awkward or uncomfortable. My colleagues were welcoming and down to earth, and the atmosphere was overall very friendly.

The work placement involved rotations around three departments, and I was aware there had been criticism of how this was handled for the previous year's placement students. However the company took this criticism on board and for my placement this aspect was very well organised.

I was given lots of attention throughout the placement and help was always available when needed. I was introduced to the company practices and was given help in building up domain knowledge of the company's products such that I was able to perform the tasks I was given effectively. I felt that the staff genuinely wanted me to succeed.

I have been offered a place on the Graduate scheme, which I look forward to starting when I complete my degree.

I lived with a couple of my fellow placement students, and there were regular opportunities for nights out or other social events with the graduate staff and other colleagues.

Though I lived slightly outside of the the area I was working in, the cost of living was very reasonable. Although Manchester city centre can be quite expensive in parts, it is a very diverse city offering options for many tastes/budgets.

I did not have any nights out in the specific area in which I worked, though it was only a short distance to Manchester which is a great night out.

Other than the socializing opportunities mentioned above, I do not recall any specific activities organised by the company that I took part in, although there was a social club which organised events that I could have taken part in.