Software Engineering Graduate Review
at Thales
Graduate Scheme
Software Engineering
Reading
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of the Role
4.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
3/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Thales?
I have enjoyed my time here so far. The work-life balance is really good, and starting with so many other apprentices and graduates has allowed for a really good social life after relocating, making many friends. The work varies a lot depending on what team or area of the business you are put in, but you can change teams each year to get a variety of experiences and the opportunity to work on many different projects.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
It depends so heavily on the team and project you are working on. My first year involved lots of algorithm work in Python, which was really interesting and fun, as well as front-end work in React. My second year was more embedded software engineering, which was interesting to get that stark contrast.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
3/5
Many teams and roles do have meaningful contributions, but sometimes you can get unlucky to be put in a team that doesn't align to your strengths/interests, or not have much work going on.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
The salary is decent, and while not top-end, it is definitely enough to live comfortably in Reading (not the cheapest place!), and is fair for the work I do. It also has pre-defined increases each year, which themselves are usually reviewed and increased every few years to keep on top of inflation.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
There are many courses offered both internally and externally, and the scheme includes a university course, but sometimes the skills you learn are not exercised. However, there are many opportunities to network, which can only be a good thing.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
There are many courses offered both internally and externally, and the scheme includes a university course, but sometimes the skills you learn are not exercised. However, the specific university course I do allows some flexibility in practical courses you can choose.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
HR are always helpful to me, and there are plenty of managers we can ask for help, and talk to if we have any concerns. There is an extensive mentorship scheme, although I have not investigated it myself yet.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The 37 hour work week is great, as it allows for half days on Friday, giving us plenty of time for the weekend to unwind. The hours are flexible, and I've never had an issue with having to work long hours to get work done.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Everyone I've spoken to is very friendly and laid back, even if the workload is high. I've never had an issue with anyone, and I've made plenty of friends here.
How would you rate Thales initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
There are many support networks that are advertised everywhere, and people are encouraged to join. Aside from that, Thales is a very inclusive place anyway.
How would you rate Thales CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
There is a heavy emphasis on volunteering, with 80 hours a year for the first two years of Apprenticeship/Graduates, and 24 hours a year after that, and we are encouraged to use them all up.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The atmosphere and work-life balance are great, and there are some really cool projects to get involved with.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
The graduate scheme has changed quite a lot from when I started to now. For example, we are now encouraged to stay in one site, when before we were encouraged to move sites each year. While this has helped me with stability, it is easy to get stuck in one team, which may not align to your skills/interests. However, the social aspect, and the first placement I had, where much more how I expected, with proper software engineering in the job, and social events each month.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Thales?
Be a team player, but still contribute meaningfully during the group interview process. Don't feel the need to practise/learn a new skill/language for it, as projects can vary so widely.
