Sales Operations Review

I really enjoyed my placement year, it was a great opportunity to see first hand what working for a large organisation is really like. IBM has a large Placement Scheme, Ive been able to meet loads of other interns, especially working at the Southbank Office in London. I've developed skills that University simply can't teach, I have had to adapt to a 9-5 working pattern in the capital which in itself is a challenge. The student community at IBM always encouraged you to step outside your comfort zone and explore shadowing opportunities, there are endless amounts of training modules available too.

As I worked within a European Team the majority of my communication with my Task Manager was through e-mail or Phone-calls. IBM is a very busy environment therefore it is important to always seek feedback, the main thing I have learned this year is if you don't ask you don't get. My team was very welcoming when I first arrived, they helped me get to grips with internal processes and were always happy to answer any queries. They made me feel part of the company from day 1.

Working within a European Team it was rather difficult to receive guidance when completing tasks. My Task Manager was based in Ireland therefore we had to set up online meetings so she could guide me through certain tools/tasks. Obviously this had its difficulties, however this gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my independence and develop my communication skills. At IBM each student receives an Early Professionals Manager (EPM) , they monitor your progress whilst on placement and are your point of contact at all times. I found this really helpful throughout my year.

My workload often fluctuated, at times I was busy and other times I had to seek the work load. The best thing about IBM is the amount of opportunities available, with the extra bandwidth I was able to attend events such as the World Skills Show and Milkround Careers Fairs. I also used this extra time to explore other areas of the Business I was interested in such as Interactive Experience. At the beginning of the year, I was given the role of Campus Leader for Northumbria University. This involved going back to University and promoting IBM's placement schemes to students, a fab opportunity to develop external relationships.

From day 1 I was given lots of responsibility from my Task Manager. Within my first week I began planning Client Workshops across Europe which gave me a fantastic insight into delivering services to a client. I was given the opportunity to facilitate one a workshop with the client present at the time. In addition I was responsible for maintaining and updating the Sales Dashboards on a weekly basis and was expected to do this in a timely and effective manner.

This year has contributed greatly to my degree studies, I have gained so much self confidence and have been pushed out my comfort zone on a daily basis. Most importantly I have created a strong network which will help me beyond my studies. This year is what you make of it, its important to ask questions and gain as much exposure to events/ meetings.

I was located in the London Southbank Office. Initially, the thought of living in London scared the life out of me, however I loved it. Southbank is the Head Office for the UK therefore multiple events take place in the Client Centre that you can get involved in. There are 100-150 other students based in Southbank, which creates a good atmosphere. As mentioned earlier, I worked within a European Team which meant I rarely met my work colleagues. The office is less busier on a Friday as many colleagues work from home.

The on-boarding experience was seamless, there was clear communication throughout the full process. All placement students must attend a 2 day Induction, this was a great opportunity to meet other interns and gather some background info on IBM. Throughout the year you have 3, 6 and 12 month reviews to monitor your progress whilst on placement.

Each student has an Early Professionals Manager who is available at all times to provide extra guidance and to support your personal development throughout your placement . The student community arranged multiple Training opportunities throughout the year such as 'Pick and Mix' modules and a Careers Academy. There was also multiple networking events planned throughout the year, which gave you the opportunity to talk to current Graduates. We were always encouraged to complete as much 'giveback' as possible to develop skills outside our core role.

The future employment prospects with IBM are greatly appealing, I am definitely considering returning to the organisation. Throughout the year we were always encouraged to speak to other graduates and to start looking into Graduate Schemes. I have a personal interest in Sales therefore I arranged to meet with other Sales Graduates to understand the scheme in further detail. As interns, we were all fully informed of the process of returning as a Graduate.

Southbank has a great social scene, there was always lots going on such as a planned Christmas Boat Party and End of Year Party. Normally the interns would meet once a week after work at a local bar which was always good fun. Although no other interns worked in my team, I used giveback to network and meet new people.

As expected, living in London was very expensive. Accommodation takes up the majority of your payslip, however I lived only a 10 minute overground journey away from the office which was ideal. You can manage comfortably in London if you budget, I did this by bringing in my own lunch etc. I also bought a Zone 1 & 2 travel-card which cost me £22 every week. Socialising in the area was expensive especially when your used to Newcastle prices!! However if you flashed your IBM lanyard you might be lucky enough to get a 10% discount at the local bars.

As mentioned there was a few local bars outside of the office, however your only a tube journey away from ideal locations such as Covent Garden and Soho. The majority of interns would cross the river to a bar which had a karaoke and happy hour, what more could you want.

There are lots of opportunities to involved in activities outside of work. As mentioned earlier there is a a 'Giveback Database' which lists a number of events that you can get involved in outside your role, I signed up to a Business Partner Event and a creative workshop at a local school which was good fun. Unlike me, if your a sport fanatic you have the opportunity to join sports teams such as netball, and football. The Corporate Games are planned at the end of the year where you can play a chosen sport against another company.