Spring into Technology Review

It was a memorable week for me. The other participants were all wonderful people and the events prepared for us led to many fun and even some competitive moments. I made many friends and some valuable connections.

Most people from the company were approachable and starting a conversation with them didn't feel forced. As every participant did, I received several opportunities to speak and to present.

Most of my questions were answered and I was encouraged to ask more even after the spring week. However, there wasn't any form of personal feedback at the end the week. I was left in the dark about where I did well and where I did not.

A lot of exercises and information related to assessment centres were provided. Working together on many occasions with other people with similar interests but different backgrounds was an invaluable experience. However, the information provided at times was too general and the lack of personal feedback hindered my further development.

There was a little bit of everything - work shadowing, social events, presentations and challenges (including a coding challenge and an agile game). The organizer made sure to mix them nicely and we were given enough time in-between in order for us to rest, eat and socialize.

Even though everyone was wearing suits, it was more relaxed and enjoyable than I expected. Having fun while being in a corporate environment actually felt great.

Even though it was an entire week dedicated to the other participants and me, it felt more like a recruitment event than training. Still, the variety of group challenges and presentations proved helpful.

There was a close look at several of the company's critical projects and some demos. Furthermore, I was able to discuss them with the people who worked on them. We were also shown around some of the offices at two of the company's buildings.

The culture was presented from several angles, including the time spent while not at work. There were several groups which people in the company had formed in order to network and improve the enjoyment of work in different ways (games during holidays and sports, for e.g.). Furthermore, the company's charity work was explained.

There were question and answer sessions with people with various backgrounds, whether coming from big tech companies or being beginners. Hearing many different points of view made it clear for me how I wanted to develop.

A stay at a hotel was also included for participants from other cities.

On multiple occasions, including the personal buddies assigned to participants in the spring week; the Q&A sessions with people from the company; and volunteers from the company who agreed to help and participate in some of the group challenges.

The group challenges and games, the bowling and the pub quiz were all excellent. They were fun, it was easy for me to get to know other participants and food and drinks were provided.

I saw various examples of charity work and side projects. There was a demonstration of the tech lab equipped with all sorts of hardware dedicated to the those projects.

Definitely, since most of my friends wouldn't work in the tech sector of a bank. However, most of their assumptions would be proven work during the spring week.