Software Engineer for Data Analysis Software Review
by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.4
-
The Company
4.1
-
The Culture
3.5
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
STFC is a great place to work and the opportunities you are offered here are fantastic. Make sure to make full use of all the facilities and opportunities you are offered here!
I was quickly integrated into the team who are all very friendly and helpful people and are almost always happy to give up their time to lend a hand if you ask.
The support you require is always there if you require but you do have to make sure to ask for it yourself.
I was kept rather busy every day (some days seemed slightly too busy) but there were never points when I had nothing to do!
I was in charge of a whole section governing a specific scientific technique. This was very rewarding and there are people to support you with this, but you are very much in charge of your own work section.
The experience gained has been invaluable. For anyone studying computer science with an interest in Physics this is fantastic place to get great academic experience
The Company
It's very much a working environment. Due to the nature of software development it's not always easy to work in a loud environment, although the office can be very quiet at times.
The organisation of the placement was well thought out. The whole placement has a structure and has been planned. The beginning was a little tricky but that is being improved this year as per my suggestions to my line manager!
STFC are very happy to send you on training courses you are interested in if they feel they would benefit you at work.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
I don't have a job with them as I am still part way through my placement, but I know most previous students are offered a job and the majority accept that offer.
The Culture
The social scene for the placement student was good although because of the massive staggering of start times between students (almost 3 months in some cases) we mainly had to set up meeting each other ect. ourselves
The cost of living is fine given the salary. The social scene is limited in the immediate area but you are only one stop on the train from Reading and Oxford (if you live in Didcot - closest town)
You have to get the train to Oxford or Reading if you want to go out in the evening. If you like spending the whole evening in pubs it's not so bad, but outside of Reading and Oxford that's your only choice for night life.
Not so many activities to do outside of work (without travelling to Reading/Oxford) but the recreational society at work has many opportunities and there are some activities in the surrounding towns.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South West
December 2015
