Business Operations Specialist Review

I found the placement year extremely interesting and a good learning experience. Some of my tasks made a real difference to how our part of the organisation ran, and it was pleasing to see how this improved day to day tasks. The only negative for me was not working in the same location as other team members, I feel had this happened, I would have been able to learn from others more easily.

I feel I became a valued member of the team and became trusted with tasks needed within our team. Other managers regularly came to me for help with tasks and I was able to become a trusted adviser on some issues. Due to increasing my network amongst the team, I was also able to recommend others who could help with tasks, as needed.

I was regularly given support and feedback from my task manager. However due to different base locations, this was not at the same level that other managers received. I think for a new intern starting, I would recommend that they aim to be based in the same location as their task manager as learning and discussing issues face to face, improves the relationship further.

This varied day to day. At first, my weeks were very structured. As the year progressed I began to take on more ad hoc projects and tasks for my managers and team members. Some days were busy and high pressured, however when I was quiet, I was able to go to other managers to look for work if needed.

I was responsible for running several fundamental processes within the organisation and became considered an SME in certain areas. Whilst my manager was on leave and between changes in management I was expected to step up and cover their role. I was therefore expected to take on a large amount of responsibility, but was always supported by other members of the team.

I feel more confident that upon leaving my role and applying to graduate schemes I have more awareness of the skills and attributes needed within companies. I also feel leaving university and joining a graduate scheme will be easier as I already have an understanding of how a large corporation operates and where/what benefits I can bring to a team.

The scheme was very robust and provided a lot of support and opportunity for personal development. There were regular opportunities to receive feedback which was helpful. My personal development manager was also very proactive and got to know each of us. I think each intern's experience is different, but I received a lot of support from my personal development manager which definitely helped my progression.

I am interested in applying back to IBM as a graduate, but I think the role and team I work within plays a very important part in my decision. Although I adapted to working with my team remotely, I did not find it enjoyable. I am used to working face to face in large teams and would prefer a role where this kind of working environment is more frequent. I'm interested in learning about other brands within the organisation and feel the schemes available would provide a great stepping stone to start my career with.

I was really lucky to be based with a good group of placement interns. At my base location there were 30 other students, all of a similar age. This meant we were able to organise trips through our work club and also go out on several nights out and dinners. All interns are really friendly however and I have had many nights out with interns from other locations or teams.

I lived in Leamington Spa which had a really nice bar scene but very few clubs to go for a proper night out in. The town however was really nice and we had several nice nights out there. Luckily enough, Birmingham is reachable by train and a taxi split between 6 was relatively cheap, so for big birthday nights and events we would travel to Birmingham where there is a very lively Nightlife.