Technical Accounting and Controls Analyst Review

There are so many fun and exciting opportunities to get involved with when working at IBM. Not only do you get the chance to experience the working world and office life, but also the chance to do some Giveback, and develop your weaker skills, you might not get the chance to develop in your day to day role. Giveback involves any type of volunteering from: Careers Fairs, to going back to your University, local schools events and events held by IBM. Its up to you to get involved; but if you're willing to give everything a go you will really enjoy a placement here.

I worked within a team of 16 during my time at IBM so I had a lot of physical support around me. However, some interns were the only member of their team in this country so didn't really experience that kind of support. It really depends upon your job role and the team you are placed within. IBM as a whole does feel like a great network to be part of, but due to the size of the company I can see how easily it is to feel lost within the business.

Not only do you have your task manager, you also have an Early Professionals Manager. Both managers are there to support you. They offer advice, guidance and try to help solve any concern. They don't babysit you though so if you want some extra support its up to you to go find it. Also, at IBM there are lots of placement students, apprentices, graduates and gap year students so you do feel a part of a community. IBM run lots of careers events and skills building exercises to get involved in too - so there really is a big support and guidance mechanism at IBM.

My tasks changed a lot throughout my time at IBM. I also had 3 different managers, due to maturity leave and so on. I found some of my tasks weren't necessary needed and stopped doing them, so half way through my placement year I did become very quiet. But I didn't want to look lazy and wanted to make the most of my time. So I personally went out and found other things to get involved in. I did lots of Giveback, told my team of my spare capacity and signed up to as much extra curriculum events as I possibly could. So if you find yourself in this position; again its up to you to find things to get involved in. IBM have lots of opportunities to join, its just if you grasp at the chance.

You have responsibility from day one. You have exposure to a variety of different members of the leadership team too. Its such a good experience. Also, as your time on placement progresses you have the opportunity to prove your reliability and capabilities, so you could be given extra responsibility then too.

My time at IBM didn't necessary directly link to my degree studies, however it has definitely improved my employability skills instead! I have so much more experience and evidence to draw back on for my CV, application forms and interviews from my year at IBM. It has improved my team-working, presenting, communication, time management skills and so many more. If I could have improved skills to help with my degree studies then I would have given it a higher score.

There are many IBM locations throughout the UK, so this does depend upon where you are based. South Bank office in London is always busy and lively atmosphere to work in. However, at times in my offices (especially during reconstruction) it is a very quiet place to work. If you have a team around you then its a good atmosphere. But if you don't I can see how it can be very quiet. It is what you make of it though, so if you want to go for tea and network for example then you should.

IBM have a very well recognised placement scheme and have for many years. You have a handover period, with the intern you take over from, for a few weeks and they produce a document with lots of notes, hints and tips of how to do well etc. You have a specific Early Professional Manager and reviews every months to see how you're getting along and improving yourself. There are lots of events and workshops to help improve your skills and to network. IBM definitely invest a lot of time and effort in their placement scheme. There are lots and lots of placement students too, so you will never feel alone or a bit lost.

As I have said before IBM set up many events throughout your year with IBM. Some mandatory, some voluntary. The events are of a wide variety from technical workshops, to recruitment clinics to presenting events. There really is a lot to get involved in.

Within Finance there are not as many Graduate opportunities. But for Technical roles, Sales, Consultants and so on, there are lots of opportunities for these types of roles. IBM is very large company with many brands and sectors so definitely lots of variety and opportunity for future prospects within.

At my base location there were about 50 placement students/Graduates/Apprentices so there was definitely a good social scene. When you start you have a 2 day induction with fellow placement students and you are encouraged to meet for a meal after to get to know each other. You all join a facebook group too so events can always be easily planned.

I was based in Portsmouth so the cost of living was reasonable and you definitely have the chance to save or splash the cash if you would like to. It was great to live by the beach too, however Portsmouth a lot quieter than I expected and I did feel I had experienced all the area had to offer rather quickly. But you are very close to London and Southampton so can always have day trips out too. Again, it really is what you make of it! You can always find something fun to do.

There are a few clubs and you will have good nights there, but again I expected there to be much more clubs and more of a choice too. After a short while I had experienced all of them and was a little bored. But, like I have said before London and Southampton are close so you can always have a nice night out there!

Lots of gyms, outdoor sports areas, sports clubs, cinemas, theatres and so on. There is a fair bit to do, but Portsmouth is definitely much more of a quieter city than I am previously used to. It is what you make of it and I am sure you can find activities you are interested in there.