Software Development Graduate Review
at Transport for London
Graduate Scheme
Software Engineering
London, UK
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Transport for London?
Overall, my experience at Transport for London has been extremely positive. As a graduate, I have had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have a real impact on London's transport network while developing both my technical and professional skills. The organisation provides a supportive environment where colleagues are approachable, knowledgeable, and invested in helping graduates learn and succeed.
One of the highlights of my experience has been the breadth of exposure across different teams and areas of the business, which has helped me gain a better understanding of how a large, complex organisation operates. I have also appreciated the emphasis on continuous learning, with access to training, development opportunities, and responsibilities that encourage personal growth.
TfL's culture of collaboration and public service is particularly rewarding, as the work contributes directly to improving transport for millions of customers. While working in a large organisation can sometimes involve navigating complex processes, the experience gained and the opportunity to make a tangible difference have made my time at TfL both valuable and enjoyable. Overall, I would highly recommend TfL as a place to start and develop a career.
One of the highlights of my experience has been the breadth of exposure across different teams and areas of the business, which has helped me gain a better understanding of how a large, complex organisation operates. I have also appreciated the emphasis on continuous learning, with access to training, development opportunities, and responsibilities that encourage personal growth.
TfL's culture of collaboration and public service is particularly rewarding, as the work contributes directly to improving transport for millions of customers. While working in a large organisation can sometimes involve navigating complex processes, the experience gained and the opportunity to make a tangible difference have made my time at TfL both valuable and enjoyable. Overall, I would highly recommend TfL as a place to start and develop a career.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My role involves supporting the delivery of technology and business improvement initiatives by working with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation. Responsibilities include gathering and analysing requirements, coordinating project activities, supporting the implementation of solutions, tracking progress against objectives, and helping ensure that projects deliver value for customers and the business.
I also spend time engaging with technical and non-technical teams, translating business needs into practical solutions, and contributing to discussions around process improvements and digital transformation. The role requires strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities.
The aspects I enjoy most are the variety of work and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. No two days are exactly the same, and I enjoy working on projects that improve services used by millions of people. I particularly enjoy collaborating with different teams, learning from experienced colleagues, and tackling complex challenges that require both analytical thinking and creativity. The role has provided excellent opportunities for professional growth while allowing me to contribute to projects that have a meaningful public benefit.
I also spend time engaging with technical and non-technical teams, translating business needs into practical solutions, and contributing to discussions around process improvements and digital transformation. The role requires strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities.
The aspects I enjoy most are the variety of work and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. No two days are exactly the same, and I enjoy working on projects that improve services used by millions of people. I particularly enjoy collaborating with different teams, learning from experienced colleagues, and tackling complex challenges that require both analytical thinking and creativity. The role has provided excellent opportunities for professional growth while allowing me to contribute to projects that have a meaningful public benefit.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
My role provides a strong opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued within the team. From an early stage in the graduate programme, I was trusted with responsibilities that had a genuine impact on project outcomes, which made my work feel both important and rewarding.
Team members and stakeholders were supportive and open to ideas, creating an environment where I felt comfortable sharing perspectives and taking ownership of tasks. I particularly appreciated being involved in collaborative projects, where my contributions were recognised and where I could see how my work supported wider business objectives.
Regular feedback, mentoring, and opportunities to engage with colleagues across different teams helped reinforce that my development was valued alongside my day-to-day contributions. Overall, I have felt that my role offers a high level of responsibility, visibility, and support, enabling me to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to grow professionally.
Team members and stakeholders were supportive and open to ideas, creating an environment where I felt comfortable sharing perspectives and taking ownership of tasks. I particularly appreciated being involved in collaborative projects, where my contributions were recognised and where I could see how my work supported wider business objectives.
Regular feedback, mentoring, and opportunities to engage with colleagues across different teams helped reinforce that my development was valued alongside my day-to-day contributions. Overall, I have felt that my role offers a high level of responsibility, visibility, and support, enabling me to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to grow professionally.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
The compensation package is fair overall, although the base salary of £32,250 is somewhat below what might be expected for similar graduate technology and business roles in the private sector. However, TfL's benefits package significantly enhances the overall value of the role.
The travel benefits are particularly valuable, including free travel across the TfL network and substantial discounts on National Rail services, which can result in significant annual savings. The package also includes private health insurance and a final salary pension scheme, both of which are increasingly rare benefits and provide valuable long-term financial security.
While individuals primarily motivated by salary may find higher-paying opportunities elsewhere, the combination of benefits, job security, work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to projects that positively impact millions of Londoners makes the overall package competitive and rewarding. For someone early in their career, the experience and development opportunities offered by TfL add considerable value beyond the headline salary.
The travel benefits are particularly valuable, including free travel across the TfL network and substantial discounts on National Rail services, which can result in significant annual savings. The package also includes private health insurance and a final salary pension scheme, both of which are increasingly rare benefits and provide valuable long-term financial security.
While individuals primarily motivated by salary may find higher-paying opportunities elsewhere, the combination of benefits, job security, work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to projects that positively impact millions of Londoners makes the overall package competitive and rewarding. For someone early in their career, the experience and development opportunities offered by TfL add considerable value beyond the headline salary.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I feel that the role has prepared me very well for my future career. The graduate programme has provided a strong balance of technical development, practical experience, and professional growth, allowing me to build skills that will be valuable in a wide range of future roles.
Through working on real projects and collaborating with colleagues across different teams, I have gained a deeper understanding of both the technical and business aspects of delivering large-scale transport and technology solutions. The level of responsibility given has helped me develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
In addition, the exposure to different parts of the organisation, combined with the support of mentors and experienced colleagues, has broadened my perspective and strengthened my understanding of how complex organisations operate. The experience has not only enhanced my current capabilities but has also given me a solid foundation for future career progression. Overall, I feel that the role has equipped me with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the next stages of my career.
Through working on real projects and collaborating with colleagues across different teams, I have gained a deeper understanding of both the technical and business aspects of delivering large-scale transport and technology solutions. The level of responsibility given has helped me develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
In addition, the exposure to different parts of the organisation, combined with the support of mentors and experienced colleagues, has broadened my perspective and strengthened my understanding of how complex organisations operate. The experience has not only enhanced my current capabilities but has also given me a solid foundation for future career progression. Overall, I feel that the role has equipped me with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the next stages of my career.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I feel that the role has prepared me exceptionally well for my future career by combining structured learning with hands-on experience in a real-world environment. One of the most valuable aspects was the internal eight-week bootcamp at the start of the programme, which provided a strong foundation in modern software development practices and technologies. During this period, I developed skills in C#, .NET, and Microsoft Azure, as well as successfully achieving the Azure Fundamentals certification. This gave me the confidence to contribute effectively from the outset and established a solid technical base for future growth.
Beyond the bootcamp, I have had the opportunity to apply and expand these skills through meaningful project work, including exposure to Pluralsight learning resources and ongoing development opportunities. The combination of formal training and practical experience has enabled me to deepen my technical knowledge while also building important professional skills such as stakeholder management, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Working across different teams and engaging with colleagues from diverse backgrounds has also provided valuable insight into how large-scale technology and business initiatives are delivered. The level of responsibility and trust given to graduates has encouraged me to take ownership of my work and develop confidence in my abilities.
Overall, the role has equipped me with a strong blend of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and professional skills, leaving me well prepared for the next stage of my career and confident in my ability to succeed in future opportunities.
Beyond the bootcamp, I have had the opportunity to apply and expand these skills through meaningful project work, including exposure to Pluralsight learning resources and ongoing development opportunities. The combination of formal training and practical experience has enabled me to deepen my technical knowledge while also building important professional skills such as stakeholder management, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Working across different teams and engaging with colleagues from diverse backgrounds has also provided valuable insight into how large-scale technology and business initiatives are delivered. The level of responsibility and trust given to graduates has encouraged me to take ownership of my work and develop confidence in my abilities.
Overall, the role has equipped me with a strong blend of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and professional skills, leaving me well prepared for the next stage of my career and confident in my ability to succeed in future opportunities.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
How would you rate Transport for London initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
How would you rate Transport for London CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The role matched my expectations very well and, in many ways, exceeded them. The recruitment process highlighted the opportunities for learning, development, and exposure to meaningful work, and my experience has reflected this throughout the graduate programme.
From the outset, the structured eight-week bootcamp demonstrated TfL's commitment to investing in its graduates. The training provided valuable upskilling in C#, .NET, and Microsoft Azure, alongside the opportunity to achieve the Azure Fundamentals certification. This gave me a strong technical foundation and prepared me well for the projects and responsibilities that followed.
The recruitment process also emphasised the supportive culture and development opportunities available to graduates, and I found this to be an accurate representation of the organisation. Access to learning platforms such as Pluralsight, mentoring from experienced colleagues, and regular opportunities to develop new skills have all contributed to my professional growth.
Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of responsibility and trust given to graduates. I have been able to contribute to meaningful work, collaborate with a range of stakeholders, and gain exposure to different teams and technologies, all while being supported in my development.
Overall, the role has delivered on the expectations set during the recruitment process and has provided even greater opportunities for learning, growth, and career development than I initially anticipated.
From the outset, the structured eight-week bootcamp demonstrated TfL's commitment to investing in its graduates. The training provided valuable upskilling in C#, .NET, and Microsoft Azure, alongside the opportunity to achieve the Azure Fundamentals certification. This gave me a strong technical foundation and prepared me well for the projects and responsibilities that followed.
The recruitment process also emphasised the supportive culture and development opportunities available to graduates, and I found this to be an accurate representation of the organisation. Access to learning platforms such as Pluralsight, mentoring from experienced colleagues, and regular opportunities to develop new skills have all contributed to my professional growth.
Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of responsibility and trust given to graduates. I have been able to contribute to meaningful work, collaborate with a range of stakeholders, and gain exposure to different teams and technologies, all while being supported in my development.
Overall, the role has delivered on the expectations set during the recruitment process and has provided even greater opportunities for learning, growth, and career development than I initially anticipated.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Transport for London?
My advice to anyone applying to Transport for London would be to approach the recruitment process with a genuine interest in both the role and TfL's wider purpose. Be prepared to demonstrate not only your technical abilities and problem-solving skills, but also your willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to projects that have a real impact on London's transport network.
During the application and assessment stages, it is helpful to draw on specific examples that showcase your experiences, achievements, and how you've handled challenges. TfL places significant value on behaviours such as teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement, so it's important to highlight these alongside any technical skills.
Once you join, make the most of every learning opportunity available. The graduate programme provides an excellent foundation through initiatives such as the eight-week technical bootcamp, which helped me develop skills in C#, .NET, and Microsoft Azure while achieving the Azure Fundamentals certification. Taking full advantage of training resources, mentoring, and platforms such as Pluralsight can accelerate your development and help you get the most out of the programme.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and step outside of your comfort zone. TfL fosters a supportive environment where graduates are given the freedom to learn through experience, take ownership of their work, and grow from mistakes. Being proactive and open to learning will help you make the most of the opportunities available and set yourself up for success.
During the application and assessment stages, it is helpful to draw on specific examples that showcase your experiences, achievements, and how you've handled challenges. TfL places significant value on behaviours such as teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement, so it's important to highlight these alongside any technical skills.
Once you join, make the most of every learning opportunity available. The graduate programme provides an excellent foundation through initiatives such as the eight-week technical bootcamp, which helped me develop skills in C#, .NET, and Microsoft Azure while achieving the Azure Fundamentals certification. Taking full advantage of training resources, mentoring, and platforms such as Pluralsight can accelerate your development and help you get the most out of the programme.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and step outside of your comfort zone. TfL fosters a supportive environment where graduates are given the freedom to learn through experience, take ownership of their work, and grow from mistakes. Being proactive and open to learning will help you make the most of the opportunities available and set yourself up for success.
