Graduate Software Engineer Review

I have regular daily meetings with my team, as check in points, for our regular work iterations. I spend my days working on coding problems for the current projects the teams are working on, as well as working on some university project work. A lot of time is also focused on learning and ensuring we are comfortable with what we are digesting.

I have been learning a lot about general coding as well as corporate soft skills. I have learnt about microservices and modular web architecture, specifically around MFE's. I have learnt various coding languages and framework like preact, react, javascript, 11ty, nunchucks etc. Regarding soft skills, I have learnt a lot about running meetings, online work etiquette, conducting myself in a professional environment and the work place, as well as recruitment and interviewing.

I really enjoy my program. The other graduates are lovely, and we have really developed a community amongst us. Going to the university, is great fun, we learn some great things, and Sheffield is such a nice city to be in. My team is just wonderful, everyone is so lovely and helpful.

The program gives you good structure for studying, with an allotted 20% study time for you to tackle accordingly. You have blocked out on campus days for Sheffield Hallam university, which is great to have one on one time with the lecturers, but also to bond with the other graduates. How structured your job is, depends on your manager and team. I personally have multiple meetings that occur at the same time everyday, making it easy to break down your day accordingly and get your work done.

I personally receive great support from my line-manager with regular weekly catch-ups to discuss the work I have been allotted and how I'm feeling. It also gives me the opportunity to ask for any extra support I require. You also have regular catch-ups with the early talent recruitment team to air any concerns with the university work, as well as meetings with a university learning coach to aid with that side of the degree apprenticeship.

We have fairly regular meetings with the university, mainly with learning support coaches, however these meetings could occur more regularly for extra support. I do think the support from the company, however minimizes the effect of the slight lack of support from the training provider. When you ask for things from the university they are largely supportive, for example, I asked for example project titles, and the course leader went above and beyond to get this to me.

Regarding the qualification, as I am early on in my role with company, I don't feel I can entirely comment on aid of the qualification to my learning as I haven't completed a large proportion of the university course. However that being said, there are assignments that really helped my onboarding into the company, for example our assignment to generate a report and analyze the way our team works. This really helped understand my work place.

There are social societies at work, such as running, theatre and gaming. As well as this there are regular social events in the office, like customer day etc. These really allow you to talk to other people from other segments of the company and immerse yourself with your colleagues. The colleague awards at christmas were a particular favorite of mine, there were stalls from employees to sell their work (like a christmas market), and some really nice social activities, making it feel like a really nice warm work space.

Yes

I have recommended applying to a friend. Ultimately the company culture is what really stands out, everyone who works here says its such a nice environment, and everybody really feels like a community that can converse together across teams to make a really positive working environment. My team also feels so supportive and helpful. I really enjoy my job.

In the application process I would really emphasize reading up on the company, and really understanding the TUI values, and thinking about how you personally embody those, that is really what the company is looking for. It is potential based hiring, as opposed to competency. Really demonstrate your passion for the business area you applied for, and just enjoy yourself and really be yourself.