Business Analyst and Sales Support Review

I enjoyed the experience of having a work placement, not only the actual tasks that I was given but also the lifestyle. I enjoyed the routine of a working life and getting to know what it is like to work in a corporate office as well as living in central London. The lifestyle and environment has enabled me to make decisions about my future that I did not have the answers to before.

I got on well with my colleagues and thought that the relationships I built were professional but friendly. I felt that they valued having an intern and appreciated the work that I did for them. I was always made to feel part of the team both inside the office and in social situations.

The guidance I was given varied a lot due to changing first line managers a few times during the year, however there were other supervisors that I remained in contact with for the full year that were supportive. Even though I was not always sure who to go to if I needed guidance at the beginning, by the end of my placement I had the support to take on new tasks and also look into other opportunities.

Even though my days were not always packed around certain parts of the year due to the sales nature of my role, there was always something I could do to fill the time. It was easy to go to different members in the team to see if anyone needed any extra assistance however if there was nothing IBM offers a range of volunteering and teaching tools that could be used.

During my placement, I was allowed to own certain pieces of work. The level of responsibility with these tasks grew over time and as certain projects developed however the level of responsibility was not too much that the pressure became uncomfortable.

Regarding the content of my degree, my placement would not help in understanding of concepts or theories as I study biochemistry. However the skills that you pick up from a work placement, especially in a company the size of IBM, would come in handy no matter what line of business you go into. For example, my written communication skills have improved as well as being comfortable working with colleagues of varying levels within the company. Also my Microsoft skills have improved as well as my ability to change between tasks.

The office varied greatly between quiet and extremley busy depending on the day of the week as well as the time of year. Generally, the people in my area were polite and friendly towards me and were available for help if needed. There were a few key individuals that brightened the day when they were in however the office atmosphere was never uncomfortable. Sometimes it was a bit hard to concentrate due to noise or physical conditions (temperature) however this was not an everyday occurrence.

The organisation of the overall placement was done very well. There was a two day induction which allowed you to get general information as well as meet fellow interns before the placement started. There was also a way of getting in touch with others to ensure you have found a house before the placement started. During the placement the addition of an EPM was very useful for queries that were not appropriate to go to my task manager with. Also the reviews were well organised and there was an appropriate amount of time for feedback.

There was enough training offered, especially as I was on the LEADing to Africa scheme which meant that I took part in extra education over the summer months while I was working. Also my team ensured that I got experience in meetings and opportunities where it was possible to meet clients. Overall, I don't feel that IBM invests heavily in it's interns due to the large number of them, it is more the individual members of your team if they are interested in bringing you back.

Personally, IT is not an industry that I am looking to get a job in as currenly my ambition lies within the scientific communications sector. However, I think that IBM is a good company for those interested in sales and technology.

Due to the large amount of other interns that were also emplyoed in my office, the social scene was good. I live with other interns who I haave become close friends with as well as the group that I work with. There were also events put on for the whole of the intern group and a blog which gave more of a community feel.

Living in central London was expensive however we still tried to have a good social life outside work.

As above, we lived in central London. There was always something on and somewhere to go and I think one of the best parts of my year was the availability to do things outside of work which I would not have normally got the chance to do.

Personally, I joined a charity group, I volunteered and for a while at the beginning I joined a rugby team until I gave that up to put more time into my personal blog. I think there is a lot of things to get involved in both for free as well as more expensive past times.