Shell Commercial Analyst Review

I enjoyed my role in a team that offered me new challenges as well as providing support and guidance.

My work was highly valued and relied upon by my colleagues. I was an active member of the team, socially and professionally.

Although my manager was not based in my location, she was always contactable if I needed support and was efficient when answering any queries I had. My team ensured that I understood and was up to date with tasks despite being busy themselves on a fast moving account.

When I had been at IBM about 3 months, I flagged to my manager that I had a lot of free time and could take on some more tasks. I was given new responsibilities and challenges. At the same time, they were aware of time restrictions and understood I had to prioritise certain tasks.

I was given a contract for which I became the Commercial Manager. I was responsible for submitting billing directly to the client, and any mistakes made could have affected the cash collection of the account.

I have developed valuable skills in communication, prioritisation and adaptability. I learned key technical skills in Microsoft office, handling large quantities of data. These skills will assist me in roles in the future but did not assist me in my degree.

When my team and the teams around me were in the office it was a fun and light-hearted atmosphere. I enjoyed spending time with my team and it was easier to ask questions and complete tasks when they were in the office with me. However, due to the capability to work from home, many of my team and others in my office were rarely in the office, leaving the atmosphere quiet.

The scheme was very well organised, with a two day induction before we started work to introduce us to the company. I was unlucky as I didn't have a handover period from the intern who did my role previously as she had already left - this could have been better organised so I had a handover.

I did not receive any formal qualifications during my placement year. My team were very helpful and trained me for new challenges and tasks when I requested them. I also attended a Commercial Fundamentals day course - this was an internal IBM event for grads and placement students giving an overview of the tasks involved with commercial management. I found it useful for my role.

Despite having completed a placement year, the process to become a graduate is still fairly long and difficult. It is likely that the majority of placement students that have applied for the grad scheme will have to attend another assessment centre as well as interviews with hiring managers, despite already passing an assessment centre to get onto the placement scheme.

IBM created a Facebook group so all placement students at my location could meet and socialise, as well as find housing together. The social scene was good, with placement students organising christmas parties and nights out with each other regularly.

Prices in Portsmouth were fair - not cheap but not expensive.

Some good bars, pubs and a couple of clubs.

I lived with a group of placement students and we regularly planned activites such as meals and nights out outside of work.