Software Engineer Review

I was required to attend meetings when scheduled, including regular stand-ups to update the team on what I was up to, as well as bi-weekly catch-ups with my assigned placement Buddy/mentor. I was expected to complete tickets and features as requested and remain flexible to pivot to new tasks or challenges as they arose. A key part of success involved having to communicate and collaborate effectively to minimise downtime and overcome blockers. I also had to utilise the workflow tools available to me, to adhere to the team's standard processes, estimate working time and log appropriate working hours.

I was given real responsibility during my placement, being asked to develop and engineer vital components of projects, participate in demonstrations to various stakeholders, as well as plan and propose potential solutions in how we could update in-house tools. I felt supported throughout my placement to meet these lofty expectations, and that my voice and opinion was heard during all kinds of discussions.

I learned new technical skills while also strengthening my existing skills by being pushed out of my comfort zone regularly, with consistent support from within my team. I also gained experience in the project and process side of things, utilising modern workflow and version control tools to ensure my progress was compliant and transparent. Collaborating weekly with diverse colleagues also developed my teamworking and communication skills.

I received all the support I could ask for once my placement finally got going. I say this as the first 45 days or so felt unstructured and unguided, potentially only because there wasn't much work for me during this time. Once I was assigned to a project and working team, I had colleagues of various levels to rely on, as well as an assigned on-site buddy in case I required anything or had questions.

The company culture was balanced very well I'd say, in that of course work was the priority, but that we should approach it in a healthy, paced and mindful way. The atmosphere within my team was really relaxing yet inspiring, clearly showing a team who trust each other and propel each other forward.

I really did enjoy my time on my placement at BAE. I was pushed technically and professionally which I ultimately appreciate, I surprised myself at my capability and resourcefulness in tackling these difficult challenges, I overcame a bit of a fear factor I had previously dealt with regarding the unknown, being asked to develop or work on something I'd never used or even heard of before became exciting and viewed as an opportunity rather than something scary, and I got to see and feel what the job overall was like day to day and month to month.

Yes