Software Engineering Intern Review

by Metaswitch Networks

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.3/5
  • The Role
    4.6
  • The Company
    4.2
  • The Culture
    4.1

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • Everything about working here is great - I was given interesting projects, didn't feel like they took too long to understand, didn't feel sandboxed, and got hands-on with the code from many different subjects. There's something here for everyone.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Metaswitch won't have you do projects that don't make a difference for your team. Everything, starting from day one, will be useful (at least in theory) for someone. If you show competence in an initial project, you'll be given more responsibilities later. Just yesterday a member of the development team I work on used an application I built last week.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My manager provided a great deal of insight, always explained problems and projects clearly, and made sure to check in on me occasionally when I wasn't actively looking for help. My super-manager (manager's manager) always had a positive attitude and took interest in the projects I was doing.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • My team kept more than enough work available for me to keep busy, and I was asked to practice making estimates for how long tasks would take, but I never felt obliged to meet an unreasonable deadline. Perfect balance in my mind.

    5/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • My responsibilities ramped up from small side-tasks to much larger "we would like to use this next week" programs, which was great.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I'm a software engineering student with many years of programming experience. During this placement I learned a new language, many new tools, improved my skills in at least one other language, learned at least two design patterns, delivered a presentation on a subject I previously knew nothing about, and had practice in writing concurrent applications and theory related to them. To say I've developed relevant skills for future would be an understatement.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Interns joining? New starter? wedding? Interns leaving? Get ready for an evening at the pub. At least 10 times this summer.

    5/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • The fact that I forgot internships could be organised poorly is fairly indicative that everything was set up well. Members of my team, including myself, regularly went on holiday during this placement, and sorting out a chain of command couldn't have been easier. I don't think I was without a manger, or blocked on a task, a single time over the full duration.

    5/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • If I was ever confused by a subject or needed more than a quick google search could offer me, I would have had access. My manager invested time in explaining company-specific products, and I feel that I know all about them now, without feeling like there was any waste.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Sports and Social Club

    National Travel

    Financial Bonus

    Company Parties/Events
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Knowing about how Metaswitch products work makes job opportunities more appealing because that reduces overhead.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • There were eight of us, all working on different teams. We were fairly social on lunch breaks, though.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Edinburgh, like the rest of the United Kingdom, is fairly expensive in terms of accommodation and nightlife - but nothing shocking like Aberdeen or London.

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • There are literally hundreds of pubs and clubs within walking distance from the company.

    4/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • The internship coincides with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

    5/5
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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

Scotland

August 2014

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