Software IP Review

My role split into 2 projects over 12 months.
The role slightly differs depending on the project you will be working on but overall expectations are:
- Contribute towards team discussions and engage and learn about the project and customer needs.
- Design and/or develop software solutions according to requirements
- Test, debug and maintain software.
- Utilise source/version control tools to follow the software pipeline.
- Review documentation and software
-Correct handling and logging of documentation

I was given responsibility where I had to travel to a customer site with my project manager and deliver a software update, this came with professional responsibility and I had to be reliable and organised, additionally I have been given responsibility to complete a number of tickets.

Yes I have both learnt new skills and languages, whilst developing existing skills
I have learnt how to work within an hybrid IT environment, how to contribute towards technical discussions and the software development pipeline.

In regards to when I first started I was not directed or told what things to learn and focus on within the first couple of months of my placement. I was unware of training material available, and I had to go out of my way to find this.
When I discussed difficulties of having a clear 'view' and 'plan' in my head regarding ADHD, I was told it was part of the job and not to expect 'special treatment', rather than considering it may be better in the future to present IPs with an overall concept of principles they will need to learn to help with the project , e.g. Object orientated (OOP) programming concepts, memory management. Although you get an overview of these concepts at university it's not always as in depth to have the skills to start working on a large code-base OOP straight away. It can be difficult because not only are you being introduced to a new project area, with new terminology and frameworks but you may also be new to programming concepts too and this can be quite overwhelming especially if neurodivegrent. I had not been told about training resources such as LinkedIn Learning and Pluralsight until the first couple months, and had not been told expected amount of time I could have to learn, so I felt pressure at the start to 'go with what I had'. Later I was directed to training resources, but I felt like the start of my placement onboarding would have been easier if I was told from the start what I was expected to do with my time in a clearer way. When I discussed this I was told it was common sense, however at times, when there is a lot of unknown it's difficult to find direction on your own.
Although organising your time is part of the job, when you are completely new to a position like this it would make sense to at least offer a day-to-day example of how much time can be spent on learning..tickets..reading documentation etc.
I think a good idea would be to at first discuss your level of knowledge with the team and any areas which are required which you may be unfamiliar with like memory management or object-orientated principles can then be taught within the first few weeks. Expectations should have been made more clear from the start.
Different placement students will be studying different courses, learning different material at university and be of different ages and experiences so I don't see why helping at the start with a guide of what is expected of you would be viewed as special treatment.

I think management need to be more aware of neurodivegrent struggles, as it was clear they had little or no understanding of these things as this came across through communication.
Overall the company culture is relaxed and friendly, it can be an enjoyable place to work.

I enjoyed the learning experience, and at times enjoyed the social interactions within the office.

Yes