Graduate Software Engineer Review

Very positive, everyone I have interacted with has been positive and helpful. I really enjoy my job and can see a clear path for my career progression.

My main responsibility is improving and maintaining a toolset which is critical to the lifecycle of a multi-national programme. This includes developing the software and documenting these activities. Additionally, I have work around processes of how we should develop software when we reach the formal development stage of the programme.
I much prefer the technical programming work over process documentation.

My team is heavily involved in the multi-national community for the project we are a part of, which results in frequent meetings that I am able to attend. My work has a meaningful impact on the overall delivery of the team, and given opportunities to represent my team.

Compared to other graduate schemes for similar roles, my base pay is already substantial. We have the ability to build up flexi-time and convert this to overtime, so those who want to contribute more time can be fairly rewarded. The company also has several incentive schemes each year and will give out bonuses in the form of free company shares.
Personally, I feel that the effort I am putting into the job now matches the effort I will put in once I exit the graduate scheme (which comes with a pay rise), so I don't think my base pay at the moment is a completely fair renumeration (but it makes sense).

I have access to a wide range of resources through the company, including paid membership to accreditation bodies to help me fund an application for accreditation. Additionally, the company has internal mobility available. There is a clear progression path within my current team, which I intend to stay in.

I'm quite independent, so I don't need a large amount of support in general. However, I know that my line manager & coworkers are always available to contact and ask for support (even if it might take a bit of time to have a meeting). I have always been encouraged to engage in discussions and ask questions without judgement.

I am able to put boundaries in place (e.g. finishing early to travel) which are respected by my colleagues. The only time I might work later than intended is if there is important work to be finished, but that is my own choice. My line manager has been clear that if work is not completed, it's okay, as long as we gave it our best, so I feel supported by my line manager.
I am able to book time off for whenever I want (I always request approval but this has never been declined) - there would only be an issue if there was an important meeting at that time. But even then, we would see if anyone else could help support that meeting or if it could be re-arranged.
My company and team take work-life balance very seriously as they understand how important it is for employees to do their best work.

I am a gay male and have been open from the start of my job about this (my partner and I moved to a place good for both of us to travel to work - which came up in conversation on my first day), and have never been made to feel uncomfortable or different. I also feel empowered that if someone did make me, or anyone else, feel uncomfortable in the workplace that I would have the support of my line manager & the company as a whole to speak out and raise any concerns.
My team is very flexible with hybrid working - for example there have been times I need to attend a GP appointment during a day I normally work onsite, but they were happy for me to work from home that day so I could attend the appointment.

The company is incredibly inclusive and they are frequently releasing events, information and mandatory training to promote how we can act more inclusively.

Yes

Once you're in the company, if you work hard and are consistent, then you can have a job for life. There are a lot of benefits & opportunities provided by the company alongside a stable career.

I was unsure of what to expect during the recruitment process as I didn't know what team I would be placed in (which doesn't get decided until after recruitment).
I did not expect to enjoy the role as much as I do, so I am grateful that it didn't match my expectations.