Product Engineering - Undergraduate Software Engineer Review

My daily work involved software and tool development. In my home team, I focused on streamlining processes by automating data engineering tasks related to product information and building tools to support team workflows. During short-term placements, I contributed to web development projects, adding features to services that enhanced visibility of product data for virtual test engineers and provided scheduling insights for chassis dyno test engineers. These experiences strengthened my skills in both backend automation and frontend development.

All the mentors, managers, and colleagues I worked with were incredibly supportive and committed to helping me make the most of my placement. Once I had settled in, they entrusted me with increasing responsibility, including leading software projects and contributing throughout the full development lifecycle. I was also given ownership of tasks such as maintenance, feature development, and presenting progress to senior stakeholders, which greatly enhanced my confidence and professional growth.

Applying skills I had previously studied at university in a practical setting significantly boosted my confidence and capability in areas like software development, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. I also gained hands-on experience with industry-standard software engineering tools and applied them to real-world projects, deepening my technical understanding and professional growth.

From my experience, the Early Careers team, along with all managers and mentors, provided exceptional support throughout the placement. Their commitment to personal and professional development truly stood out and, in my view, sets the company apart from others offering similar opportunities.

In the teams I worked with, the company culture was consistently relaxed and flexible, fostering an environment of trust and ownership. Even as an undergraduate, I was encouraged to make decisions and take initiative in my work. The atmosphere was always positive, and I was surrounded by colleagues who were genuinely passionate about what they do, which made the experience both inspiring and motivating.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of a team that places such strong emphasis on supporting early careers. The experience allowed me to develop a wide range of skills to a level that simply isn’t achievable through academic study alone. I wouldn’t change a thing about my time at JLR, and I would wholeheartedly recommend a placement here to anyone considering one.

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