Product Engineering: Software Review

I work in a team of people of many different skill levels to create the software that goes into the vehicles that are on the road today. I work with people across the business from fellow undergraduates all the way up to people who are on the Board of Directors, and I am respected and treated as an equal. I spend most of my time working in python or Matlab, developing automation tools to help optimise and improve my team’s efficiency.

Since working here, my soft skills have improved so much that I hardly recognise myself. I have improved my ability to communicate professionally. I can now do public speaking where before I couldn’t even stand to spend two hours in a crowded space! I’ve been supported and my growth has been tremendous. I also learned industry specific skills such as working with A2L and DBC files for vehicle communication. I have been able to take part in personal development courses, improving my resilience and my teamwork ability.

I’ve independently been allowed to run three separate projects from start to finish, delivering functional tools that help my teammates to work more efficiently. I have been able to promote causes that matter to me by being involved with improving DE&I within the business, making real and impactful change. I have been trusted to speak to members of the board to present findings to senior management and to act as the first point of contact for people across the business who have queries about the things we’ve been working on.

At first it was a bit difficult, but once I learned to advocate for myself - which is an important skill and I’m very grateful that I’ve learned it - I received an awful lot of support. Once people were aware of what support I needed and how, especially considering that I have multiple disabilities, there was no shortage of people who were willing to help.

The company is undergoing some changes that have drastically and positively shifted the company atmosphere. The hierarchy feels non-existent in a good way. There is no stress or sense of “I shouldn’t be talking to this person” – only a feeling that you are speaking to an incredibly knowledgeable person who is willing to help. Sometimes you will find that there are people who are less than keen to help. I was unfortunate enough to have one of these as my manager at first, but they are few and far between at least in my department.

There was a very steep learning curve for me to become accustomed to my placement for multiple reasons. I am disabled and I had to travel a long way to take on this placement, so there was some stress associated. That said, once I was settled in and receiving the support that I need, it became an absolute joy. As with anything, you get out what you put in. There are many opportunities to explore different parts of the business – “placements” of up to 6 weeks are available in any department that you wish to go to, so long as you can provide a good business reason (this is not difficult).

Yes

My interviewer said right at the start of my interview: “I’m on your side. I want to make sure that I can tick every single box on this list so that the people who are doing the hiring can see that you are the perfect person for this role.” Be honest about your weaknesses. Think about what makes you stand out and separates you from the crowd. If you do have any kind of disability, I really do recommend disclosing it as it made my interview process much smoother.