Software Development Intern Review

Absolute fantastic; I could not recommend HP more to anybody applying for a placement year. Fantastic intern community and company culture.

Colleagues treat you with respect and as a real, fundamental part of the team. As an intern you are looked at no differently than other employees (except for the fact that they tend to look after you a bit more!) I have built lasting relationships with my team that will last when I return to University and beyond!

I have mentors across the entire business who are more than happy to support you with anything and everything; whether it be work-related, gaining experience across the business and help with University studies.

Fairly busy but not completely unmanageable. Your day-to-day varies based on the time of the fiscal quarter. However, there is so much more you can do outside your day job that you can keep yourself busy with during quiet periods; community projects, fundraising, helping support other areas of the business and gaining experience in any area that particularly interests you. The opportunities really are endless.

A fair amount of responsibility. Not so much that if I left my business unit would crumble, but enough to make you feel valued and fulfilled about what you have accomplished. I was relied on by my team for core functions within the business and was an important part of the team.

I've learnt how to apply the theoretical knowledge I learnt at University and apply it to the real-world. In addition, the confidence and transferable skills (teamwork, communication and many others) I have gained throughout the last year have indefinitely shaped my future and I will be able to take them with me wherever I end up when I graduate and beyond.

Very good atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and approachable, and the open door policy means that you can approach senior management quite easily. Quite an upbeat atmosphere within my team. The intern community is fantastic!

My position was new to the company and so I had to help shape my own role as the placement went on. The process was quite seamless and it was quite an easy transition into my role from University. Colleagues were always willing to help.

Received a lot of training related to internal systems and processes but no training on areas that may have helped me understand my position within the business better.

It mainly depends on how you perform within your placement year. However, doing well does not necessarily mean you will be offered a role within the organization but it will secure you a place in the graduate assessment day. If you receive good references from your managers then you stand a good chance of coming back when you graduate.

The intern community often arrange nights out. There are also intercompany events where other companies in the area (Microsoft, Fujitsu, Intel, BMW etc.) go out together so it is absolutely fantastic for networking. My team often hosted social events that included travelling aboard and are great fun!

Not overly expensive in relation to the salary which you are paid.

No one goes out in Bracknell because there is not much there. However, the nightlife in Reading (15 minutes drive from Bracknell) where the majority of the interns live and where most social events are held, is lively and there is a scene to suffice everyone's interests!

Lots! Charity projects, fundraising events, events sponsored by HP (Wireless festival to name one!), social events are to name just a few. The scope to get involved in extra curricular is almost endless and you will never get bored.