Software Engineer Review

My daily tasks include reporting on progression of testing, meeting with clients to discussion project, testing financial reports built, developing reports, designing reports and connecting with the client to make sure all requirements are met. I meet with my team every morning over Skype and have meetings daily with the client in the afternoon,

I have learnt new programming languages including Java, Java Script, PHP, Haskell etc. I have moved into our SAP team and am learning how to create financial reports using the system. I am learning to improve how to deliver presentations and how to communicate effectively with the client to remain professional.

It can be a very up and down experience. There are times the workload becomes difficult to balance as you're expected to work 40 hours, study 20 hours and find time for a work life balance. It can be easy to fall behind if you take time off work.

The actual uni programme isn't well structured and it feels like the lecturers are delivering for the first time, even though they should be well versed in the programme. Some make use of the blackboard calendar but not all and this causes confusion. They need to be more planned to make sure everyone on same page.

My Employer offers support in terms of technical help and offer of study days. however on a week to week basis I feel more time should be offered to help with study. Expecting people to work full time and find full time hours to study is unrealistic in my eyes.

We have weekly calls and several on campus days. Not much time with the actual person running the course as teaching assistant runs all the calls. Only hear from lecturer on on-campus days. I think there should be more contact time with course leader. Other than that I have no complaints.

There are elements of the course I can bring into the role. However from a technical standpoint a lot of the work has no baring on my role. I have learnt more on the job than from the university side of the degree. More should be done to change this.

There are some activities, however most are based in London and if you don't work there you are quite excluded. If in London it is great for sports teams and events as there are weekly activities on and funded also. There are some in other cities but not widely available.

No

It depends on what they want from the company but for me they need to do more. As an employee outside of London I feel they don't do enough to meet my needs. The travel is ridiculous compared to what I was promised when I joined and work life balance is not seen as a priority.

Be prepared to commit to a lot of hours working. You are expected to work a lot of over time and trying to manage a work life balance can be very stressful. If you want a high pressure environment then this is a great place. But be aware of what you're giving up.