iX European Strategy and Market Development Review

by IBM

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.3/5
  • The Role
    3.3
  • The Company
    3.4
  • The Culture
    3.1

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • My personal role was interesting and had good European exposure. Also had some good opportunities to travel and stay in hotels etc which was a nice bonus. 100% worth the experience - you won't get a network this size anywhere else, but day to day job can get dry at times.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Felt like an integral part of the team by the end - was regularly told that they weren't looking forward to my departure.

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • I was lucky enough to work in an extremely close-knit team of 6 where we saw each other every day and sat together. Other interns not so lucky to get a role like this, but, personally I was given lots of guidance and supervising.

    4/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • Completely varies - some days crammed, some days very little.

    3/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • Good amount of responsibility including management of European communications.

    3/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • Skills acquired not particularly relevant to degree/studies, however, personal and professional skills will undoubtedly assist organisation and final year performance in uni, and give me a headstart in the grad world.

    3/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Good atmosphere, everyone talkative and big range of personalities. Sometimes it gets a bit political, but on the whole everyone works well together and there's a decent level of craic.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • Very well - IBM core placement team offer lots of regular things for interns, monthly 'round tables' etc. My role was also well structured with a planned handover period, scheduled targets etc.

    3/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • Got absolutely loads of training. Qualified and gained certifications in things that are transferable and added bonus was that I was able to stay in hotels/travel around for it. Really depends on role though - I was lucky but other people get absolutely nothing. Clarify possibility of this if it would interest you in business interview when asked if you have any questions.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised Canteen

    Financial Bonus

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Working from home
    3/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Grad scheme supposedly one of the best - highlighted path of how to progress to within this. However - feel that interns get recognised and suggested for grad scheme progression based on wrong criteria (i.e. how much volunteering they do etc) rather than job performance.

    3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Social scene was very strong but not formally through IBM, organised for interns by interns, informal meetings in pubs etc.

    4/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Working at Southbank... what more needs be said. London costs a bomb, rent costs a bomb, pints cost £4+. But London interns get an extra chunk of pay so can just about afford it, plus, working in London is 10x better than anywhere else you'll get placed. Worth the cost!

    2/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Good nightlife - depends on where you live regarding getting home after nights out etc. London has everything, not much more to say!

    4/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Formally through IBM channels, not that many, but through making friends with interns loads of things come up that you can get stuck into.

    4/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Marketing

London

February 2016

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