Junior Software developer Review

Currently I am in a Junior developer role, where I have been given a large amount of responsibility. In my day to day I am part of the development team creating and developing components for the Unilever corporate websites. While also being involved in the planning and maintenance of the platform infrastructure.

I have learnt: task and time prioritization, front end code, logical css, coding and process good practice, accessibility in web, screenreader testing, keyboard testing, end to end testing, basic understanding of netlify and platform infrastructure, project planning and execution, knowledge of the wider FMCG business and knowledge practice of different cookie management tools.

I thoroughly enjoy my work life at Unilever. I get to work with various people in the business from IT, HR to COMMS. I also feel like a valued member of the team given real responsibility on business critical platforms and being involved in key decision making are just some of the great points of my apprenticeship experience.

Yes I am given lots of information around every module that my program has what dates to expect everything and who to contact. This program at Unilever also rotates you through different parts of the business doing one year rotations in different teams for the length of the three year programme.

I get constant contact with my line manager who offers me assistance in every stage of my journey on the program. Unilever is also very accessibility friendly inclusive of everyone no matter race religion or sexual orientation. Furthermore my colleagues offer me support and guidance in my day to day role.

My training provider offers me all of the regularly available services that a full time university student would have i.e academic workshops, presentation skills workshops etc. We receive one day of lectures a week where the lecturers are fully accommodating of apprentices providing all information online in the case that we cannot be there in person on the day.

What I have learnt in University relates in some of my day to day work. In my rotations at Unilever I will be able to use all of the different knowledge learnt in the different parts of the business. I know more of the planning and reasoning behind technical decisions as I can relate it to the theory.

At Unilever Apprentices take part in activities called +1 that are completely separate from your role. This could be helping on boarding of future apprentice cohorts to going to schools and careers fairs to help promote apprenticeships at Unilever. There is also lots of social events that allow you to meet other apprentices and network with colleagues at Unilever.

Yes

Unilever has a great work life balance the company cares about their employees and it shows. From my experience working hours are flexible, as long as you get your work done you can do that work in the evening early morning etc. Unilever also cares about sustainability and it is great to work for a company that does good.

On the assessment days be yourself, most importantly do not overshadow/talk over other people on the assessment days. Unilever has a very flat hierarchy and it shows. Learn about FMCG their competitors and Unilever's recent activity because at some point you will be asked to express your thoughts on it.