Undergraduate Technology Delivery Associate Review

Working alongside the TDM in various teams, I get involved in delivery and meetings such as working groups and steering meetings. I've had a change to run daily standups and retros across different teams. I've also been able to dip into other roles, such as software engineering and platform engineering to see how those look and try my hand, to get the broadest range of experience.

I feel as though I've been able to build upon my education, and apply my skills to real-world business experiences, as well as adapting these skills and improving. I've also had a chance to develop my softer skills, such as teamwork and communication, as well as leadership through the opportunities presented to me. Overall, I feel a lot more confident because of it.

I was given lots of independence and responsibility during my placement. I was allowed to contribute code and access the same resources as same employees in similar roles. There was some stumbling blocks with some teams where access wasn't in place in-time to complete the work I needed to do, but that has been feedback and taken on-board for future rotations, and they are committed to making sure I can take responsibility for my own placement and the experiences I want to gain.

There was plenty of support available. Everyone at the Co-op is super friendly and always willing to help, and I am constantly encouraged to ask questions and develop my understanding of the different systems in place. I get constant 121's with both my line manager and department lead, giving a good space for feedback from both myself and my manager, which made sure I was always getting the most from my placement. There never felt as though there were any barriers to reaching out to fellow colleagues, regardless of their position in the business.

Co-op has an amazing company culture. Everyone is upmost friendly and treats each other with respect, regardless of background and interests. I feel safe and comfortable to express myself and interact with colleagues, and the office environment feels relaxed but professional. They have a really good flexible hybrid working policy that allows you to fit work around unexpected events and they are understanding with appointments.

I really enjoyed my placement. It has felt rewarding, and has been everything I wanted to get out of my placement. I feel like my input has been appreciated and I feel like I was treated as though I was any other new colleague, rather than just a uni student. I have met some many kind and awesome people that made going into the office a treat rather than a chore.

Yes

My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself. You don't need to be the perfect corporate figure with loads of experience. If you present yourself as someone who is willing to learn, get stuck in and give everything a shot to the best of your ability, I think you would really fit in at the Co-Op. Regardless of your background, it's the ability to deal with challenges and learn from your mistakes that is the most important think.