Associate Software Engineer Review

It was a really rewarding experience because I was given responsibility as soon as I was able to do things. This meant a steep learning curve, but was a great chance for me to learn and show my metal!

By the end of my placement I was trusted with developing areas of a very high profile project with a large degree of freedom and responsibility. I had earned my colleagues respect and confidence, and they were willing to trust me with things that they otherwise might not have let someone of my level do. Any company that can give you a break like that is worth its weight in gold to you.

My managers were very supportive to begin with, but they gave me enough room to grow. This has left me in a much better situation mentally.

The project I was working on was a large and high profile one, with a very well respected client. This meant that it was busy, and I did pull a few very long shifts. However, such intense working is not without it's rewards, and the company threw several parties and very swish events, which were exciting, enjoyable, and great break from the norm (it is amazing staying at a 5* hotel at someone else's expense!!!)

Once I had shown what I was capable of, I was given a large degree of responsibility, and this is absolutely key to a successful placement, as it makes you far more employable afterwards. I ended up training people who were 10 years my senior at programming on the systems we were working on!

I will literally be using the skills I have learned for the rest of my days, not just the technical skills (which will be a boon as I go into my final year now) but also the business and social skills. Networking within a large firm is so much more important that I thought it would be.

I was working on a client site, which demanded a certain degree of professionalism at all times. It was not boring, but it was not a party.

The placement scheme was excellently organised, containing 4 weeks of training (you get paid to learn - what a great concept for a uni student!) before getting stuck into an assigned project. If the role you were assigned wasn't working out or wasn't relevant to you, there were positions all over the company which you had the chance to apply for. Good social events too.

I received 4 weeks training and was paid to get a programming qualification. Even though I failed the first time around, the company was willing to fund my re-take (which I passed). This qualification is mine, not the companies', and looks great on my CV.

I have been offered a future position there, with a great starting salary and early promotion prospects. What more can I ask for?

There were monthly events, where entertainment, food and drink was provided. I didn't always see the other placement students there, but it was certainly very social.

I happened to be working on a client site in the middle of London, the most expensive place in England. However, if you end up on a client site out of London, the company pays for your accommodation and gives you money for food. This happened to many of the other placement students, and I know they loved it.

I didn't sample the night-life as much as I could have done, but when I did go out I had a good time. Apparently out of town projects have a better night life as everyone goes out together.

Accenture has a multitude of societies and clubs to get involved in. If you join, I recommend the record club :)