Software engineer Review

Front end application design, using Oracle Apex to design/edit pages and integrate with backend. Backend maintenance performed using SQL and SQL Developer, including writing SQL scripts and functions. Regular team meetings as per agile development methodologies, presenting current status on work undertaken and what is planned going forward. Frequent calls with business managers to set current development priorities. Regular contact with business managers to request and receive testing on work completed, which can then be sent to production.

New skills include deeper understanding of SQL, as well as SQL Developer and the further options it gives to database design. Application design and full stack development skills were developed as a result of working with frontend. Understanding of frontend/backend communication such as ETL processes was developed. Interpersonal skills were significantly developed as a result of working directly in a team and working closely with business managers. Understanding of agile development practices as developed further by putting theory learned previously into practice in live system and team environment.

Yes, as I was working on a live project as opposed to a side project designed for interns to carry out. Being an active member of each sprint allowed for development of skills that would be used as a full time employee, as well as allowing for fulfilling tasks to be carried out as the work done affects the system going forward. Agile development allowed for a good level of autonomy by assigning tasks directly to me, while contributing to the end product.

I received just the right amount of support and guidance. My manager was readily available when I required assistance with the project or the task I was assigned, as were the other members of my team. Mentors and buddies were also assigned at the beginning of the internship, who were also very helpful in providing any guidance with any issues outside of the project. Avenues of contact are clearly laid out. Everyone was willing and able to help.

The atmosphere is great. There are constantly firm wide or location wide events on various topics which help expand your network and skillset. Many intern specific events such as the speaker series and mid- and end of internship social events are arranged, which provides great insight into the form as a whole. Many internal groups exist to celebrate diversity in the firm exist. Charity events are also encouraged, and one was included as part of the internship via the corporate responsibility day.

I enjoyed my internship a lot. I felt well placed into a team that I was able to perform well in, and the team I was in helped expand my career a lot. The company culture feels very positive. I did not go into the internship with many expectations, however in terms of what was provided to us my expectations were far surpassed. The work I performed was not what I understood it to be beforehand, however this was a benefit as I was expecting to work on a side project instead of with my team directly.

Yes

The interviewers generally help steer the conversation in a way that helps you - for example, if you don't initially mention something they are looking for, they might mention it themselves to help prompt you if you know and forgot about it. The code assessment is challenging, however even if you feel you did poorly if you explain some of the decisions you made then that will help a lot. Day one will likely be spent doing pre-clearance learning and environment setup, so use that as an opportunity to get used to the environment.