Software Developer Review

My role is to help develop new and exciting technologies involving Augmented and Virtual Reality. Myself and two other employees are use the Unreal Engine to create a visualisation software for Home Improvement Salespeople to use to improve their rate of sale. My day to day involves a daily stand-up meeting with my team, and then working to a task based on Kanban boards. I am also tasked with setting up automation pipelines and developing core features with the use of the C++ programming language.

I have had the opportunity to develop many skills! I didn't know how to code in C++ when I was starting at the company and now I am quite acquitted with the language. I had also never used Unreal Engine - so I have successfully transferred my existing skills to other areas that I had no prior experience in.

I really enjoy the programming unit - as it involves a lot of problem solving, something that I just love to do. I feel like the business unit is somewhat lacking, but that is probably just because I am not as passionate about the subject. We also Study Web Development, which is very fun as the lecturers are simply brilliant!

I feel like there is a stable structure in place - although a lot of factors tend to get in the way of the delivery, so sometimes sessions are simply cancelled or not delivered in the initial location they were scheduled to be. In the office we have a very well organised structure in place, in terms of hierarchy - with clear expectations set regularly.

I am very lucky to work in a very innovative company, which focuses on staff wellbeing and health. Working in a field which is rife with Mental Health issues (ala Depression, Anxiety) it is very good that my company manages to support and train their staff in awareness and handling of mental health issues. The company is always ready and available to help out with any problems that a member of staff may be facing.

All of the staff at the university are very available and hands-on. Communication is quick and very useful. There are plenty of programs in place to ensure that we are helped as much as possible whilst studying (ex. Lecture Capture, Moodle and constant support via emails). I have had several sessions with my lectures where they have gladly helped with any problems that I have had on the course.

My focus in my role is programming, and so the extra knowledge that I have gained from University has really helped me understand core principles that I didn't previously understand (as I was mainly self-taught before joining the program). It is nice to be surrounded by knowledgeable people that are always willing to support.

There are several opportunities to develop outside of my workplace - although, as a small company, it is not an area that is quite as large as it probably is in other businesses. We also have team socials every few months - which are very fun. I have had the opportunity to attend conferences and events where we have been running demo's of our products, but outside of that - there isn't much.

Yes

The work culture in this business is brilliant. It feels more like being a part of a family instead of a business. Everybody is always available to help and the company is constantly growing as we develop better and newer technologies. Anybody that has the opportunity to work for RPS would be lucky.

The main thing that RPS focus on, is personality - just be yourself and demonstrate that you are competent in the role that you are applying for. The company-ethos is very much focused on building a family, and as long as you can demonstrate that you're genuine and kind - you'll be okay.