Software Development Intern Review

I enjoyed my work. I was put in a position in which I could do what I wanted to get more as much as possible out of my placement. I looked forward to going to work every day and I was happy with the fact that I was helped during the WFH period of my placement.

My team was made up of 8 people mostly developers. They were very friendly. I appreciated their coaching and they showed interest in what I could bring to the group. I felt very valued and I was assigned critical tasks at times since I was recognised to have the most experience in some niche fields of my work.

My team was quite busy, and apart from a few soft skills sessions there wasn't much support in learning new things. Though I was given the time and freedom to learn on the job. I could ask questions all the time, by just turning my chair. They never made me feel like I was a weight. I learned a lot and the guidance I received was stellar.

Since my work was very flexible, and most of the projects I was working on were not production-critical, I had the freedom of working at my own pace. In my case, that meant that I was very busy as there was always something to do. I never felt like I could not contribute.

My responsibility initially was very minimal. Overall, I felt like I could have been given more important tasks but I also recognise that if I had asked for such tasks to be assigned to me, they probably would've been. Though as a new intern taking the courage to do so is challenging at times, maybe I should've been nudged into that direction earlier.

I have developed my skills enormously. I cannot recognise the developer that first stepped into BMW when I first stared. It sprung in me the need to acquire a more complete skill set. I know that I have learned loads and also brought something new to my team. Most of these skills are technical and realted to the specific technology stack used by my team, but that was accompanied by in depth knowledge of building real life complex solutions.

The atmosphere was very relaxed. I felt like I could have a friendly conversation with almost anyone. We had office events in which everyone participated. I had opportunities to break and chat if I felt like it. I liked my job so it never affected my work or productivity.

The organisation was a mixed experience. While some events were arranged for us, which made ushave a better understanding and feel of where we were working, it was up to the manager's discretion in how to "deal" with their interns. In short, some got the short end of the stick and were left to their own devices, searching for aimless tasks.

They did not invest in interns. Aside from a few exceptions, most of us were not part of the budgeting for our respective teams and did not get the benefits of various workshops and learning activities. BMW also is not very graduate oriented as they mainly rely on apprenticeships to hire young people, so dont look for a long term job after your internship here.

Though future employment may be appealing for other interns, it was not for me as a software developer. Salary and benefits are sub standard for the industry and the organisation does not have a clear path to rehiring after studies are over. Overall, though I enjoyed my time there, I would not work there fulltime, at least not as a career after university.

Social life was mainly the result of interns volunteering. We had a social secretary who would organise night outs and invite the interns. I had a very good time and social life was not an issue for all the people I have encountered. I would say it is not an issue and the area is well suited for student like night life

Cost of living was different depending on what/when accomodation was booked. As for food/social life, the prices are below average coming from London and the salary is enough to break even and save a few hundreds a month. Id say that money was never an issue and even allowed me to travel during my placement.

Nightlife was okay. Not as big as the one i was used to in Lonodn but defnitely a lot of fun. Most times we'd go to a pub and then night out. Oxford offers a lot of opportunities for nights out, being as it is a student town of great importance.

I was not personally involved in specific activities outside of work. I know of students who went to football clubs and played with other interns. Some, joined korfball associations and palyed for the oxford team. For non sporty people, I have met interns who went and joined dungeons and dragons tournaments.