MEng Chemical Engineering, University of Nottingham
In my final year at university, I took a module on Advanced Computational Methods. This was my first experience with development, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue as a career. With my minimal experience, I was immediately drawn to Dorset Software for their training programme, which invests time and knowledge in newcomers. The chocolate biscuit drawer enticed me too (and it hasn't disappointed)!
The application process was straightforward, and the interview day was more stress-free than you'd expect it to typically be. I was given a lot of information about the company and was free to ask as many questions as I could. I was also given a tour of the office, so I could get a feel of the environment I'd be working in, which definitely eased any nerves I had.
The training programme was incredibly useful for a beginner like me. Despite it being fast-paced and intense at times, it covered a wide scope of topics, and I completed training with a new-found confidence in my ability to work on a live assignment. I had the support of an experienced trainer throughout the duration of the programme, and it was great to be able to learn and develop my skills with their help.
I most recently worked in a development team for a major national retailer, where I was given a range of different responsibilities from creating HTML templates used in the front-end web application, to managing the back-end databases using SQL scripts. I also deployed changes to their live servers. The last part can be daunting, but it was incredibly rewarding to get positive feedback directly from clients for the services you've helped to get up and running! I've enjoyed the varied nature of client work and feel like it has allowed me to rapidly improve my skills by getting to work with more experienced developers.
Dorset Software is a friendly and relaxing environment to work in. There's plenty of clubs to get involved with, so you'll most likely find something that interests you! There are also fun events that take place throughout the year; one of my favourites being getting a ferry to the Brownsea Open Air Theatre.
Keep asking questions! There may be times during training when you feel you are behind your peers, but there will always be someone available to support you and pass on their wisdom. Don't be afraid to get involved with any clubs that interest you, it's a great way to get to know people.
