Test Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I found being a Test Analyst was interesting (Much more than Uni!) and learnt a lot throughout the year which I can use in my University Degree and in future employment.

I was given the same amount of responsibility as any permanent members of staff at my level. Colleagues treat you no differently, and still value your help with areas of functionality that you have expertise in. The performance reviews throughout the year are also great, as they allow you to further highlight the contribution you’ve made in the projects.

Help is readily available whenever you need it. When you first start it can be quite daunting (or at least for me, compared to my last job), but once you know what everyone’s role is, it’s easy to find support when needed and the environment is really friendly. Throughout the year my manager kept in contact to check up on how I was doing and if I had any problems, which helps you feel supported and comfortable within your role.

Generally, I had good workload level in both of the projects I was on although, as with any job, there are quiet and busy periods. Quiet periods give you chance to catch up on any Admin tasks that need doing, and you can also take part in online training courses which I found really useful.

As mentioned in the question before, I was given the same amount of responsibility as any other permanent member of staff at this level. As my experience in the systems grew, the responsibility increased and I even had the opportunity to demonstrate areas of the system to the client.

University didn’t really prepare me for the world of Testing (It mainly focussed around software development) therefore the majority of skills I learnt during this year were new. I also had chance to develop the SQL skills gained at university. The skills that I’ve learnt over the year will help during my final year project, as well as any other software development I do in the future.

I worked in multiple offices and the atmosphere in each one was slightly different, however they all had a friendly and homely feel to them. You’re made to quickly feel like ‘part of the team’ and colleagues were more than happy to help you when needed. Regular meals/events also allow you to get to know your colleagues more.

The application process was extremely efficient, and all of the HR related activities (where you base location will be, manager etc.) were all set up really quickly. The only thing I came across was that internships were fairly new to a lot of people, although it wasn’t really an issue as your treated the same as regular employees throughout the year anyway).

During my time here, I attended multiple instructor led training causes for a wide variety of topics, including Java, SQL and XML. I also had access to a huge amount of online training and eBooks, which came in useful throughout the year. I also attended soft skill courses (e.g. communication) which were useful. Overall I found the training excellent, and felt they invested a lot of time into developing you.

I am hoping to gain a position in the graduate scheme before a leave in the same area I am now. If successful, you can also obtain sponsorship over your final year of Uni. I’m happy coming back into the area I’m in now, however there is a chance to join a different area than your internship was based in as well.

Due to my location on my first project, I didn’t have chance to socialise with any other placement students. However there were regular nights out / events with other colleagues (some even paid for!) which were great fun. There are things to suit a lot of tastes (some offices have football teams, snooker etc.) so generally it’s fairly good.

I lived at home during my placement year, so the cost of living was very cheap. Cost of socialising varies depending on the office you’ll be based in. The areas that I worked in were really cheap, and as mentioned before some nights out and events are even paid for!

On the Project I’m on now, the nightlife is great as it’s near a major city. I’ve been out with colleagues a couple of times, and it’s been a great night out. Sometimes you may have to work away from you base location for a while, and if you stay away with a few other colleagues it can be awesome.

A lot of offices had their own clubs (e.g. football) and other events that you could take part in, so there was normally a lot going on. I had to travel away a few times with a few other colleagues, so we spent a lot of time socialising, going out for meals etc.