Technical Support Services - Sales Operations Review

When applying for the IBM placement scheme, I had to research innovative ideas that motivated me to work for IBM, and show this in my presentation at the assessment centre. When entering IBM Southbank, I was surrounded by a busy workplace, with tablets on the walls that showed IBM looking into the future, showing; progress, creativity and innovate solutions. At this moment, I thought this is type of insightful business I want to work for. After applying to work in and around London, I was then introduced to working in Manchester. I thought fine, this is the second largest city, and I moved there with the idea in mind that I’d still be in a busy office with the same energy and desire to push new innovative ideas, as this had been my only experience of IBM at this time. To my disappointed, I was put into a very quiet office where none of my team were. Then, I was put into a role that didn’t encourage creative thinking. To my disappointed as well, I was on calls for 15 hours a week. This not only thwarted my opportunity to converse with other people around me, but the calls only required me to listen, and did not require my input, at all. Overall, the role and location didn’t meet my expectations, and demotivated me significantly. I progressed into putting my effort into projects and ideas that interested me, thus putting my work second and therefore the downwards spiral of not meeting the team’s expectations started. Overall, I have learnt from this to not suffer in silence, and for a life lesson, to not get a job for the sake of having a job. I’ve learnt that in a job, money is irrelevant as long as I’m happy. Fortunately, I was moved into a role that I did enjoy and I've managed to autonomise that as it's just lots of admin work again. I now do 40% role work, and 60% of stuff I'm interested in/

I felt valued, but only with regards to the tasks I had to complete. Outside of those tasks, people didn’t want anything else. The only time people generally spoke to me is if they need something, or if something they feel is incorrect. With outside work, my opinion wasn’t considered.

Due to the simplicity of the job, and my introduction from John, I felt confident I could succeed and grow the role. I have done that, and now the role adds more value to the business than it did when I first started. Continuous support isn’t needed from John.

From my job role, not very busy at all. Here’s an outline of how much time they required from me. • Monday 7am – 11am • Tuesday 8am – 6pm • Wednesday 9am – 11am • Thursday 9am – 11am • Friday 9am – 11am There are ad-hoc tasks throughout the day, but these rarely take up a lot of time. I found myself divesting my time into other opportunities. I’d do more Giveback events/ mentoring Sheffield Hallam students. I’d try to add more value by thinking of ideas add value to the business. Lots of them failed, but I’m glad I had the spare capacity to try them.

To qualify my responsibility, it was weighted upon greatly. My work was used by the director of my area of business, and it was significantly important it was correct. Quantifying it, not much at all. As long as it was viewed to be correct, then no one required my time or input outside of the job tasks.

I've had many skills improved as I've realized a lot of things about myself I didn't know at the start of the year. From a careers academy, to a pick n mix day where we got to pick presentations to listen to. I've been able to speak to executives in the business as well about what motivates them. However this is all to do with being in Foundation. To do with my job role and department, there is little to none.

The atmosphere was dull, boring and quiet. Seldom did I come into the office because there isn't anything happening. I listen to other members either moan or complain about other colleagues.

At the start of the year, I was told I was in another Manchester location, so I had to email them to get it changed to the correct location. IBM has a matching criterion as well, so they put you in the place they think you fit best in. I assume all the jobs are admin based for placement, so my fit was okay, as I like the people I work with, but the area of business is dry and dying out. The careers academy day that was organised for us to look at future careers in IBM was fantastic. We got an insight of senior member’s perspectives, we learnt how to look for a job that suits us best, and it was a great networking opportunity.

We have the opportunity to do as little or as much as we want in the Foundation umbrella. Foundation look after placement students, grads and apprentices. As apart of placement, there were a lot of events designed to be 'eye openers'. Outside of that, and inside my role, I was only invested in to do my admin role.

I will not be applying back to IBM.

There unfortunately was only 5 of us. We went out twice throughout the whole year. It was okay to bad and it could have been a lot better.

Really cheap. I live near both work offices in Manchester. Both Jackson House and Labs. The area though is unfortunately lower class and quite rough.

There is great nightlife in the heart of Manchester.

Ran by IBM? No. Other companies, of course. I assume this question is company specific.