By Alicia Luong, Computer Science with Management BSc student.
Hi, I am Alicia and welcome to my blog! I am currently in a placement in Rohde & Schwarz. I applied for the Bluetooth software engineering role, but I am also doing some Wi-Fi as well 😊
I first wanted to do a placement because in the tech scene, experience puts you in stepping stole. Software engineering roles these days are very competitive and oversaturated, I wanted to find a way to shine and make myself different. I also have been working hospitality part-time jobs my whole career, I wanted to start putting my course and hard skills to use.
Who are Rohde & Schwarz?
Rohde & Schwarz is a B2B company. My company is a private company that diversifies in many markets. I am working as a Bluetooth software engineer. What I usually do is code all types of languages, talk about Bluetooth and its new growing features. Bluetooth is growing so my team, and I are always busy doing something new; finding new ways to beat competitors, handling special client features, learning about topics that university doesn’t teach you.
What’s my placement like?
The environment and workspace are very friendly. My office celebrates special events of all cultures (Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas etc.). We also have a sports and social club which is a subsidised club taking in all recommendations we have went from hiking, comedy club, paddle boarding etc. The workspace is very laid back; my manager wears graphic T-shirts and shorts (you can wear whatever you want). Working hours are very flexible, you are required to work 7.8 hours a day with core hours being 10-3.30, lunch being 12-2. This means some employees with children can start work at 7:30 and finish at 3:30 whereas night owls can start 10 finishes at 6. The core hours ensure people are around to help each other if needed. You also only need to be in office 2 days a week, but I really enjoy the workspace, so I come every day. Employees here work hard but make sure they enjoy their weekend, they manage stress very well which is a skill I want to emulate.
What are the 3 biggest things you’ve learnt so far?
I would say the 3 biggest things I have learnt so far from my placement is independence (I lead my own projects and make my own decisions, taking accountability) , professional communication (figuring how I can effectively persuade use of my project to team leaders and understanding workplace norms) and criticism (noting both positive and negatives to grow).
Learning how to work in a team, software engineering group work in coursework projects have helped me get used to delegating tasks, working in unison and communicating effectively for an amazing product.
Students should investigate the company and their values before going into a placement.
3 words to summarise my experience,
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Substantial
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