Junior Developer Review

My role at FDM Group involved working in a team environment to create and maintain different software applications. These would be used by internal staff and FDM consultants. My day to day duties involve typically involved: - Creating new features for internal software applications - Full stack development, including back end and front end - Designing user interface - Fixing bugs - Creating unit tests - Improving performance issues - Daily communication with other team members - Fixing code review issues - Attending meetings and trainings

New technical skills I have learnt or developed from FDM are: - Object Oriented Programming - Web development (Includes HTML, CSS and JavaScript) - Source control (via GitLab, Git and GitBash) - C# back end development - jQuery - Bootstrap - ASP.Net - .Net Framework - .Net core 5 - Entity Framework and Entity Framework Core - Model View Controller - SOLID principles - Unit Testing - Adobe Xd - Agile Development - Visual Studio - Fluent Assertion - MoQ Personal skills I have developed from FDM are: - Teamwork - Organization - Communication - Time predictions - Project planning - Self learning skills - Research

During my placement at FDM Group, I was given a lot of responsibilities. From the very beginning, I was given a small scale project to work on alongside another colleague. After getting familiar with the tech that the business uses, I was given the opportunity to fix complex bugs and performance issues with a system that was actively used by a lot of internal staff. Finally, I got the chance to work on a project plan, which included creating user interface design and time predictions. This plan would affect decisions throughout the business.

During my placement, I received plenty of feedback from both the wider team and line manager. If I was stuck on a problem, it was very easy to contact either my line manager or another senior colleague, who would usually get into a call or meet in person to help solve the issue. They also encouraged self learning and would assist in helping finding the problem and coming up with solutions, instead of giving the answer straight away.

Despite the limited in person contact, the company atmosphere is great. Within the team, there were monthly game activities that was done virtually. In addition to this, we had occasional team lunches when lock down allowed it. Throughout the company, there is a big emphasis on self improvement and diversity. The company provides training about unbiased thinking, which ensures equality and acceptance of all members within FDM Group. They also have plenty of groups such as LGBTQA+, disability and gender equality. However, varied team activities like bowling or movies would be nice.

Overall, I enjoyed my year placement a lot. I particularly liked the team, as they casual but also get work done. The company culture is one of the best I've been in, as they have a particular focus on diversity and equality. They also have the options of mentors, mental health support through mental health first aiders and employee assistance program. I gained exactly what I wanted from this placement, which was to work in a team environment on real world projects.

Yes

Before applying to FDM, ensure you have customized your CV and cover letter based on job requirements. For my interview process, I was given a video interview where I answered a set of pre rerecorded questions. I then got feedback over the phone and was told that I got invited to an assessment center interview. I would suggest noting down this feedback, as it will be useful for you during your interview. Finally, ensure you come well dressed to the interview. I would suggest talking to others while waiting for interviews on the day, as no one likes awkward silence.