Software Engineering Placement Student Review

It was a full packed learning journey where I was given the great responsibility of developing/testing/maintaining a product known as "Cube Control Consultant" by collaborating with our external partners which led me to deliver the tool to our customers successfully. Whilst working on the full lifecycle of the project, I got the opportunity to develop my soft skills while discussing ideas with my manager, team members and external team members. The day begins with the stand-up meeting to discuss the tasks with my manager and team engineers and work on them with Flexi breaks and team fun activities in between.

I was able to apply my university learning and develop it. Also, I got so much opportunity to learn new skills as mentioned below. Development of Existing Skills: - Networking. - Coding. -Software Development Life Cycle. -Software testing. New Skills: - Documentation of Software. - Versioning of Software. - Writing test cases and requirement in IBM DOORS. - Soft skills such as presentation, demonstration of product,.. etc. - Providing test results to the developers - generating binary configuration using internal software. - Loading software to the Source code manager (Integrity). - working on internal software such as Brakesconsultant, Brakesdesigner, Fast loader..etc.

I was given so much more responsibility than the amount given to a placement student. I did not feel isolated as a placement student at all. I was involved in the project from the initial to the finishing stage of a tool known as Cube Control Consultant. The CCC was developed by collaborating with Knorr-Bremse's external partner. My responsibility is to engage with the external partner while developed. Test the tool and maintain its relevant documentation, requirements and SATs. I was also able to deliver the fully finished product to our customers.

My line manager was so supportive throughout my placement journey. She ensures that I do the right task at the right time and involves me in meetings that she thinks would benefit me in gaining knowledge. she had also, made me engage with our customers and had shared all the requested information ASAP. Also, make sure I get proper support from my team. My team is a focused, socialized team that makes me feel so supportive by giving me all the information I need and helping me if I'm stuck. My mentor [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], is the coolest and funniest person a software team needs. He takes all the situation with seriousness and at the same time, he makes some jokes to go stress-free and fun!

There are not many events I've been involved in as most of them are cancelled due to Covid.The Melksham office is so diverse that you meet people from all over the world. I am part of the KB badminton club where we play matches every week to socialize with colleagues outside of the team. When not working, I will go to the canteen to have "free" coffee with my colleagues and discuss topics to pass the time.

I completely enjoyed my placement journey. The work that I do is as expected and my team is well supported and considers my success as theirs. The company culture is amazing which makes you the key reason to work in the office. If I am invited, I would definitely go back. I also made lifelong friends with whom I used to spend my weekends and roam around Melksham and other towns/cities.

Yes

When I applied during the time of the pandemic, the hiring process was as simple as it had only a face to face interview. My face to face interview was a formal discussion with my manager and a senior engineer. It was a formal discussion about my university course, modules that study, my previous work experience and a few technical questions. My suggestion is to come without any preparation for your first day unless you are told to do so because the KB team will make the candidate comfortable with their welcome presentation and guide you on what to do next. If I am reapplying, I would concentrate more on embedded coding and knowledge of C#, C++. I always wanted to join a public transport company because I wanted to explore the technologies that meet public expectations which inspired me to join Knorr-Bremse.