Student software engineer, Development Review

Very much enjoyed my placement, Learn't an incredible amount that is only possible within a workplace setting. I have grown as a software developer as a result of my placement at Lighthouse and have been able to apply the theory from university to the practical of working within the industry.

Part of the a team from day one and even being a new member of the team my input into what the best approach or process to take was always welcomed.

You start off with an intense eight week training programme that gets you up to speed on the technology and processes used, As you finish the training you are given a mentor who is a senior member of the team you join. You and your mentor will have a questionnaire to complete every month where you fill out what you have learn't and what you are struggling with this was then followed by a 1-on-1 meeting with your mentor to discuss what you had written in the questionnaire, if you have raised points where you are struggling with a task or understanding of something your mentor can then help you with this. Apart from any member of the team was always happy to help.

As part of the development team we were using the scrum methodology so most of the work was planned out ahead of time to give an even balance and ability for all members to complete tasks assigned to the sprint. We did take on bugs during this period and we were generally more busy when a release was around the corner but all work was manageable.

A lot of responsibility was given. I was treated like any other member of the team. The environment of the team meant that help could be asked for at any time which allowed me to take on tasks that I was unfamiliar with (maybe looking into a bug on a customer site) and then ask for help if I got stuck.

A huge amount. I am now in the ideal position to return for my final year at university being a much more competent developer with the knowledge of how real world complex systems are built. This will not only help with my final year studies including a huge amount with my dissertation but will also help me for my future career in the industry.

Very happy and enthusiastic everyone is happy to be at work and enjoying working to not only support but to improve the product. As I have mentioned help is always available from any person within the office even if they are not on the same team. Whenever somebody has a birthday in the office everyone gets together around there desk for some cake and to wish them happy birthday.

Very well organised, From pre-emails with Lighthouse, to the training, and then joining the team and working on the day to day stuff right up until the end. A team of administration staff work very hard to make the whole process fit in seamlessly.

You start your placement with an eight week training programme that gets you up to speed with the company, technology used and processes taken. When you move into the team you are working on you are given further training on specific areas and at any point through the year you can ask for more help not only on specific product details that would only be found at Lighthouse but also at an abstract concept level everyone is always happy to help and everyone understands that continued learning is a part of this industry. The office is also filled with technical books and if a particular book is missing that you think would help you then you can ask for it.

Most now full time employees started with a placement year and then returned after graduating. I was told to keep in touch and contact the company after graduating.

Students and colleagues went out on a regular bases. Starting with the pub on Friday after work. During the summer periods there were regular barbecues and during the winter a trip to the cinema or for a meal out was not uncommon.

As a student used to discounted student bars etc... it felt a little more expensive but overall everything else was generally the same. Accommodation was a reasonable price with all bills included, with a bit of research you can find some good deals.

Crawley can be quite during the day but does pick up at night, But Brighton and London are close so for a big night out you can hop on a train to one of those locations.

Plenty of opportunities, a lot of colleagues get together for social events and there was a 5-a-side football team for those who were interested.