Placement Year Review at Research In Motion UK (RIM)

The Role

Role Description

Designing and developing Java applications in J2ME and J2SE.
Developing and maintaining MySQL databases.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Challenging, but very enjoyable. I've learned more in the last 12 months than I did in my first two years at university. My Java coding skills have developed significantly. I also traveled to Chicago twice to collaborate with the development teams there.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My colleagues were extremely supportive and encouraged me to work to the best of my abilities throughout my placement.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I had regular meetings with management to discuss my progress, and to set short- and long-term goals.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I always had something to keep me busy! 99% of my workload was highly interesting, and required a great deal of problem solving to complete. I really enjoyed the challenge this presented.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was responsible for the maintenance and development of always-online systems. I had to implement numerous high-risk changes/fixes, whilst ensuring the system's integrity.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

As stated above, I have learned far more than I imagined I would prior to starting my placement. I intend to put my software development skills to good use in my final year project. I also gained a number of useful contacts during my placement, who I intend to consult when I start applying for graduate jobs. The placement has also affirmed my interest in the software development field, and I am now confident that I want to work in this area after my degree studies.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Light-hearted and relaxed. I think this atmosphere was key to the highly-productive nature of the team.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was the first student to do the placement, so it was somewhat of a trial for the company. In general, the placement was well-organised.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Two 3-week trips to Chicago to visit the development team there. I was also provided with anything I required in order to perform my duties to the highest standard possible.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Already accepted a job offer, to start when I graduate next year.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Regular 'socials' were organised. All placement students were made to feel like permanent employees by colleagues.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Relatively cheap to eat/go out in Slough. Commute from Guildford was expensive.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Did not sample the nightlife in the area I worked.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Loads of sports/recreational activities to get involved in after work/at weekends, e.g. paintballing, karting, rowing, climbing etc.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I would recommend the placement to any undergrad. I started my placement unsure of what area of computing I wanted a career in. I now know that application software development is the one for me.

Review 1/5 for Research In Motion UK (RIM)

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