Student Software Developer Review

I always wanted to work in a company where no two days are the same and a place where I get an exposure to all aspects of Software Development. Lighthouse Systems was my perfect choice as I got a chance to experience the entire Software Development Life Cycle alongside a team of senior developers; which made work more exciting and enjoyable.

Even though I was a placement student, the development team was very welcoming from Day 1. Despite having limited exposure to the real world of software development, my opinion was valued and was treated like a key member of the team. The on-going support and appreciation for delivering quality work was of immense help; and made me look forward to come to work every day. The Lighthouse team in general is very friendly and encouraging and within days of joining I was an equally important member of the Lighthouse family.

At the start of the placement I was given 7 weeks of intense training where I learnt about the key concepts of Shopfloor Online and brushed my SQL and C# knowledge. The learning process did not stop after the two months of training; as I was continually getting exposed to new software languages and programs (eg: Oracle) while working on actual tasks as they came along and during Learning Lunch sessions. In addition I had monthly mentoring and 1-1 review sessions with my manager where we discussed about my performance and areas of improvement. At Lighthouse everyone is always ready to help and give feedback no matter how busy they are.

There was never a moment when I was without a task to work on. There is always something to work on. Even during code-freeze I was involved in Testing. It gets a bit demanding close to code-freeze or while fixing a critical bug for a client; but otherwise it is fairly relaxed allowing one to maintain a good work-life balance.

After the training period, I was assigned tasks to allow me to get familiar with the code-base and ‘Shopfloor online’, proprietary software. For all tasks, I was given the same responsibility as any other member of the team as we have a brilliant code-review process which ensures quality code is being delivered at all times. My task assignments varied from implementing high priority tasks, investigating issues on customer and development sites to carrying out code reviews for my other team members, carrying out manual testing etc.

The skills I developed are going to help me not only in my studies but also in my professional life. I have not only become a confident software developer but also a confident person. I am no longer nervous in expressing my views in front of a large group of people and can solve any problem positively. I have become more confident with databases and Object Oriented Programming as I spent the whole year mostly working on SQL and C# and this experience is definitely going to help me in my final year, particularly my final year project, at university.

Lighthouse is a very friendly place with lots of positivity around in the office. No matter how stressful or relaxed the day is, everyone is always cheerful and happy to help. I have never seen anyone irritated or arguing and that’s what makes the workplace pleasant.

The placement was very well organised, right from the interview stage to training and through-out the course of the year. It was clearly very well-planned for and all work carried out by placement students is of direct use to clients and a great opportunity to learn and get proficient in software development.

Along with the development of its product, Lighthouse makes sure that in return its employees develop the appropriate professional skills. Placement students have got an equal chance to take part in all kinds of workshops and training that is organised for the permanent staff. I attended regular learning lunches where I learnt many new things which were not a part of my day to day job. One of the things I learnt was how the implementation team provides solutions to new customers and customises the product to meet their needs. We frequently had small workshops within my team where we discussed about adapting new techniques and software within the team to make our development process more robust. These discussions exposed me to a full new world of thinking outside the dimensions of work and into the broader software arena.

Most if the permanent employees in Lighthouse have come through placement and I would love to come back to Lighthouse after my graduation.

Placement students and other colleagues spend a lot of time together outside of work and during the lunch hour. Most days, we have a group lunch, and with promising sunny weather these days outside lunch on the picnic benches or in one of the rooms followed by a walk outside is refreshing and fun. Occasionally, we went for bowling, movies and badminton sessions after work. Students who moved to Crawley for the placement year organised house warming parties and game nights, which was a great opportunity to know each other.

Cost of living is not significantly different in Crawley when compared to London and Brighton; but I feel socialising is a bit cheaper in Crawley. Some placement students do struggle with the remuneration; especially if they eat outside every day.

The Nightlife in Crawley is not the best but we are at easy reach to Brighton and London with good public transport.

Outside of work there are a lot of opportunities to socialise with other employees as Lighthouse organises a lot of activities and events such as meals, bowling sessions, Summer/Christmas Parties, Team Building events, drinks etc. Crawley is very close to London and Brighton and therefore one can also plan activities and events with your colleagues over the weekend.