Operations support Review

I had a tough few months with managerial changes which lead to lack of drive and motivation. The beginning of my placement was difficult, I didn't feel as though the guidance and support was there, this made it hard to feel valued. It was also a time where not much work was available, I would have days where my work load would take around an hour. The months that followed were a lot more positive, I had the support I should have had from the start, I started to understand exactly what was expected of me and my role became a lot clearer. Overall I would say I have had a rocky year, unfortunately the first few months will stay with me but I'm glad I finally got to see changes, learn about the nature and culture of IBM, and how to achieve the best in a professional working environment.

Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. I wasn't part of a direct team neither did I have other interns around, this wasn't ideal. However from day 1 I was looked after very well by a few particular colleagues who have grown to be a good friends. With new management meant my role became more apparent and from that I felt my work and my overall role became more valued not just to internal colleagues but also a larger reach of IBM and external clients.

Throughout my placement I was always given a level of support and guidance, this level was dependent on the time in the year. When things started to pick up the support and guidance I needed was definitely there. Sometimes I did feel as though I could have been given further guidance with certain tasks that were new to me, but when I asked for help and advice the task was completed.

The first six months were very slow and a normal days work was not there. I would be lucky to get a hour or two especially around sept-nov. After Christmas things picked up and I now have plenty of work that involves varying tasks and objectives, completing work that is valued not just to my manager but also the wider team I work in.

As my role is independent from the other work in my department the responsibility I had was reasonably high. I enjoyed this as it gave me a chance to show I was capable of achieving outcomes. As time went on my role changed and the work I learnt during my handover became less evident and valued. However the outcome was positive because I was able to take on more responsibility and suggest tasks / general operational activities that needed improving and the actions to achieve. My manager invested a lot of time and advice into me which resulted in further responsibility. Although the responsibility was there some of the tasks given were not those that required a lot of thought and time.

The main skill I broadened during my placement was networking, getting to know different people and understanding the different roles they have in the department I was working in. Some of the colleagues I was working around daily became really good friends and it was a pleasure to work in the same environment as them. Hopefully this skill will benefit me if I choose to come back or in the application process for other graduate roles. Working in operations meant I was constantly surrounded by people and had close relationships with varying personalities. I was the point of call for a number of different asks in my department and I believe putting me in this situation allowed me to understand how to deal with varying personalities. This will benefit me both in my final year, future companies I will work for and also any interview process I may encounter.

Overall the atmosphere was warm and energising, although around certain period / quarters within the year the atmosphere did slightly drop. Eventhough at times there was a different atmosphere people kept positive and were always friendly and helpful. Sometimes the atmosphere would change if clients were coming in and at times a sense of stress could be felt.

Initially it was hard to notice any organisation in the role I was put into, with no clear guidance or tasks work was difficult. After this period my role became a lot clearer meaning work became more organised. I am giving this score based on the last half of my placement.

I think I have developed personally but I am not sure that is down to the company too much. I have been able to work in a professional environment and meet a number of different people which has hugely benefited me. There were a number of training opportunities but I felt as though due to budgets they would prefer if I didn't attend and the opportunity was given to a full time employee instead.

When I find the right department I would like to work in I may consider applying back as the location is great, plus I have really enjoyed living in London. They do offer some ood graduate schemes but I would want to ensure I was not overseen and the work there was valued and career progression would be possible within a good time frame.

Yes very good, initially all the interns went for drinks after work on a Thursday, it did die down after a while but events were proposed most of the time. There was an intern christmas and end of year party which a lot of interns attended. Colleague events didnt occur as often but more so around christmas, and in smaller groups within the team I worked in.

Cost of living was reasonably high but this is expected in London. Pay was enough to live comfortably and still be able to enjoy socialising with friends. The location is great and there are plenty and a variety of eateries, bars and shops around. It was never hard to find a place to eat, drink, shop and do something a bit different. I would definitely recommend trialing living in London for a while or even the year like I have.

There are a few bars, but as for nightlife it was better to go into central London which is only a few stops on the tube. There are plenty of places to choose from. They are quite pricey especially some in more affluent areas but its up to you where you choose to go. People have different opinions on whether the London nightlife is that good or just a novelty.

There were opportunities in giveback for IBM. I went back to my university twice to run a mock assessment centre with university students and also to do a company presentation and why they should apply, the role they may have and how they will benefit from a year in industry. Opportunites to go back to old schools and universities always came up and were highly respected. There were also opportunities to join sports clubs including netball, football etc. Again another great way to meet people.