Graduate Software Engineer Review

I spend most of my days working on frontend, functional code, within MFE's. I get given tasks to complete over a two week period, and complete the code, as defined by the user requirements. I also attend regular team meetings/ceremonies in order to ensure collaboration. As well as this once a week I spend time working on my university work, mostly surrounding assignments, and general learning work.

I joined the company with minimal experience in coding and technology, and now am able to contribute functional work that can be integrated into our new components for the site. I am also far more capable when it comes to working independently on things such as my dissertation. I have really developed my frontend coding skills, my knowledge on modular web architecture, and also just my general corporate soft skills such as communication ad organisation.

I really enjoy my program. I love the company, and most of all I love the people. Everyone is so friendly and this has really fostered a collaborative supportive environment, hugely adding to the entire enjoyment level of the whole process. As well as this, the learning through both the university and the company has been so enjoyable, really focusing on my own interests steering my learning, to then further aid me for the future career I wish to go on to have.

My daily tasks and work time is well structured and organised with regular calls and check ins, making everything far more manageable. The iterative work style, allows me to better structure my own work, and understand my calendar.

My employer is really the shining star in all of this. The support I receive from my team and those externally who look after my cohort has been amazing. My manager is so responsive and helpful, so understanding to any of the worries I have, and flexible with my work time, so I can ensure my university work gets the attention it needs. As well as this the team who look after my cohort have been so understanding, and supportive for any and all issues I have faced throughout the duration of my apprenticeship.

Initially the support from the training provider was lacking slightly, and I felt very overwhelmed, due to the lack of a permanent figure coach figure. However, since then, someone stepped into the role and has been brilliant offering regular support and ensuring we feel listened to and looked after. As well as this, the head of the university course is very responsive, and always offer kind words or help when required.

The qualification has been really helpful in terms of aiding my learning for my regular role. For instance, in our first assignment of developing a software application, I picked up a lot of valuable skills and understanding which can be applied to my everyday role. As well as this, we have had general report assignments surrounding our workplace, which really aided my understanding of TUI and my teams way of working and hugely supported my integration into the company.

Within the company, there are many social groups you can be involved in, I am involved in the book club, as well as this we have had networking events I have had the opportunity to join, such as attending the women in tech excellence awards and supporting the early careers team at conferences/job fairs.

Yes

TUI are an incredibly supportive company, who boast a brilliant working culture, which is largely the reason myself and other colleagues love it so much. As well as this I am grateful to have such a supportive team, who I get on well with and made such an effort to integrate me within the company. As well as this the benefits offered are really good, and the degree offered by the apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity. I have recommended TUI to many friends, and speak highly of it, and I shall continue to do so.

I would say be authentically yourself, applying for jobs can be overwhelming, especially graduate schemes nowadays, but by showing your personality and exemplifying how you embody the TUI values, and how passionate you are about the business area you will smash it.