Software Graduate Review

As a software graduate, my experience at JLR has been generally positive. It took a bit of time to adjust at first, but the strong network of early careers has made a big difference. One of the highlights has been the flexibility to rotate across different teams, this really helped me explore different areas and find what I enjoy most.

As a software graduate at JLR, my role involves rotating through different teams to gain exposure to various aspects of software development.
Placement 1 – Vehicle System Software Engineering:
In this role, I worked primarily with C/C++ on embedded systems. The work was technically interesting and gave me insight into how software integrates with vehicle systems. However, it was challenging at times due to most of the team being based outside the UK, which made collaboration a bit more difficult.
Placement 2 – Frontend Development:
This was the placement I enjoyed the most. I was part of a very supportive team that also trusted me with a lot of responsibility. I worked on user-facing applications, which gave me a strong sense of ownership and impact.
Overall, the flexibility to move between teams and explore different areas of software has been the most rewarding part of the role. The culture at JLR is very supportive of graduates, which has made the experience both enjoyable and valuable for my development.

I’ve had meaningful opportunities to contribute, especially in my frontend development placement where I was given real responsibility and felt trusted by the team. Even in more challenging roles, I’ve felt supported, and the graduate-friendly culture at JLR helps me feel valued.

The salary is competitive for a graduate role, and the £2,000 joining bonus is a great perk.

The variety of placements has helped me explore different areas within software, giving me a clearer idea of what I want to specialise in. It’s been a great way to build experience and confidence.

I was assigned a buddy early on, which was helpful for settling in. Most line managers have been very supportive, and the strong early careers culture at JLR means graduates are well looked after. Overall, I’ve felt well supported throughout my placements.

Working in a hybrid setup really helps maintain a good work-life balance. JLR also encourages reaching out for support when needed, which contributes positively to wellbeing.

The culture at JLR is inclusive, positive, and very welcoming, especially towards graduates. There’s a strong early careers community, and hybrid working is well supported, which helps with flexibility and wellbeing.

JLR has a strong focus on inclusion, with lots of active networks for different cultures, faiths, and communities, including groups like Women in Engineering. These initiatives help create a welcoming and supportive environment.

Yes

I’d recommend JLR for its supportive culture, especially for graduates. The flexibility to explore different roles through placements is a great way to find your strengths, and the hybrid working setup helps maintain a good work-life balance. Plus, the teams are welcoming and genuinely invested in your development.

The role matched my expectations quite well. The recruitment process highlighted the flexibility and variety of placements, which has definitely been reflected in my experience. I’ve had the chance to explore different areas and build a clearer idea of where I want to specialise.