Infrastructure Specialist Review

I enjoyed my placement a lot. I found that being based at the Hursley site with the campus-like, relaxed feeling correlating well with my work ethic. I got involved in a range of projects within my department and in others and made a valid contribution to all. The range of volunteering opportunities available as well as the encouragement of self-development, both of which I took advantage of, made me feel like a valued IBMer.

Within my department I was integral. I was setting up systems for our Business Partners to use and allowing them to access them remotely. Without me doing this the department would not function. The closest I got to being the "tea-person" was attending coffee meetings with other IBMers and Business Partners.

I was supported as much or as little as needed. My supervisors were very approachable and had no issues helping me out if needed, but only after I'd completed my own research into the problem or area first. They were also happy for me to attend any courses or conferences that caught my eye to help me develop further.

Most of the time I was rather busy but through good project management I was able to carry on. However, within my core role there were low periods with the workload. Thanks to my connections within the company I was able to pick up projects elsewhere to do in these times. IBM has a keen eye for development within its young professional community and so I was able to develop existing and learn new skills in these time as well.

I felt as though I was given a large amount of responsibility. I was interacting with, meeting with and presenting to IBM Business Partners directly. Within these times I was representing the company and had to ensure I maintained, if not improved, IBM's relationship with the Business Partner.

During the year I've learned so many skills, an innumerate amount. I've done so much personal and professional development I feel as though I'm prepared for my final year and am now equipped to be able to further myself in the future.

Generally the office was rather quiet due to the team having apparently been reduced in previous years. Thankfully there were some other interns in there though so it did have some life to it.

Overall I think the placement scheme was well organised. I believe it has won awards. They provided educational opportunities as well as events to get ideas for graduate roles within IBM.

I feel as though I took full advantage of the opportunities on offer. I enrolled in online and physical courses, language lessons, skills development opportunities, mentoring, recruitment outreach. There's lots of potential! I also got involved with the LGBT group (called EAGLE) by helping to organise and attending events and loved it. This aspect of my professional life, developed at IBM, is now something that I will be pursuing within my career.

IBM being the large company it is has plenty of opportunities for employment at graduate-level and beyond. Upon research of these opportunities it seems that lots are travel-based but are available in many sectors.

There was at the Hursley site. We'd meet up at lunch, go to the club house, go out in Southampton or Winchester at night. Although, they do tend to be rather spread out around the area of Hursley; some in Southampton, some in Winchester and some in areas in between.

Living in Southampton was pretty cheap. The only thing that increased my living cost was the necessity of having a car to get to work however from the £15k earnt at IBM this was plenty to cover all aspects.

Nightlife in Hursley is non-existent apart from the pubs. Southampton and Winchester have pubs, bars and clubs so no issue there. Being from Sheffield though I can't say it can compare.

There's the onsite club which is like a social club and runs various activities and sporting events for employees and locals.