Sales Support Review

My placement at IBM has been a fantastic experience. I have enjoyed opportunities I would never have received at other companies and have partaken in a range of events, work experience and schemes. I am a mentor for a local schoolgirl, took part in an internal competition for cognitive computing and presented a pitch to the CIO of a large client, amongst other opportunities. I have thoroughly enjoyed my year and will apply for a graduate role.

On the whole I am extremely valued by my colleagues as I have been taken to client meeting, invited to events and joined IBMers during shadowing. Everyone shows respect, I provide a valuable service and am given responsibilities for important tasks, including client facing roles.

My managers, both task manager (responsible for daily tasks) and EPM (Early Professionals Manager, who oversees me while on placement) have both given excellent guidance and support, both voluntarily and when requested. The rest of my team has also been extremely supportive and are usually able to help with any issues that arise.

My days vary, I have cadence on Mondays and Fridays with my manager and team, and my manager has cadence with her manager on Tuesdays which I also attend therefore these are regularly busier. The majority of tasks I receive are ad hoc therefore my days can be full or have hours of free time where I will ask around the team for any tasks, help other interns, or complete education.

I was responsible for several tasks during my placement. I helped with general tasks such as producing the weekly cadence reports, I assisted with account planning and attended some sessions, I also worked more closely on one account so was given a lot of responsibility in this role which, at it's highest, included helping close deals and pitching to the CIO.

I developed my skills pertaining to the working environment mostly. It's different to an academic environment although I was able to witness and experience several of the things I study as a business and management student and my work with excel will help with my dissertation data analysis. I feel my time at IBM helped polish my team working, professionalism and pro-activeness especially, when you enjoy the role you wish to get more involved and do more things.

I was lucky that I worked closely with a group of 8 other interns, 4 of which were in similar roles, therefore day to day office work was in a great environment. My wider team were also nearby in the office with my manager coming in most days in a room opposite therefore I saw everyone regularly which allowed me to build good working relationships and trust. As interns we regularly have meals together, we buy each other birthday gifts and did secret santa.

Personally my experience of moving into the placement was without any issues. I settled into the role quickly, though with a minimal handover from my predecessor, and the team were able to help where needed. We had a two day introduction which allowed us to meet other interns prior to work and learn the basics of what it means to be an IBM employee. My EPM runs monthly 'round tables' which last on average 1.5 hours, we discuss upcoming events or things we need to do and three interns will present on a subject of their choosing (usually work related) which is good practice for your final presentation. This also allows you to get to know your EPM better and as they help decide if you will return as a grad, this is beneficial.

IBM makes opportunities available for those who seek them, and some are handed to you. There are several calls, events and other ways to develop yourself. I found completing online sessions worked best around my work schedule and I attended events where possible.

I will be applying back to the grad scheme an will hopefully get a job with IBM.

In the first few months each Thursday the interns travel to a local bar which allows us all to get to know each other outside of work. I was lucky that I work alongside a large group of interns where we all made good friends and spend everyday together. The team go for quarterly meetings, they start with covering all the business needed then we will go to an event/activity and pubs/bars which is a great way to see your team outside of work.

As I am based in London the prices were all much more expensive than I was used to. The rent and living costs were high but this is compensated for in your salary. Depending on other circumstances some activities were too expensive but I have been able to do mostly everything I have wanted to.

Personally the Bristol nightlife was better mostly due to price. It is expensive and I don't think particularly worth it on average to go to a club, however there are some very nice pubs and bars that I much preferred in the city.

I joined a local netball league with work girls and being based in London there is so much to do if you seek it out.