GBS People Operations Team Review

I enjoyed working in a team and talking to the various people in the business. I think that one of the highlights of my role was that I was able to speak to people not only within the business but also people who would be joining the business. I think that at times my workload become tiresome and dull. Especially as I was expected to come in early to induct the new joiners joining IBM. Along with the territory came some disappointment meaning that sometimes I was in the firing line of an angry manager and felt like my role and commitment was not appreciated.

I feel that my Colleagues valued me and the skills I bought to the table. I think that sometimes management would take my skills for granted, however I think this was a matter of just proving yourself and that have the ability to grow your skill set.

I think that management did provide me with support and guidance. Management made sure my whole team knew we were supported and often stuck their neck out for us to ensure that we got the most out of every opportunity. In hindsight I wish that I had asked for more support during the start of my placement instead of trying to get on with it alone. However saying this sometimes I did feel that management didn't realise how much I did contribute to the team and my efforts were gone un-noticed.

This varied, at times I was very busy and sometimes there was a complete lull in work. I do think that managing your workload was an important part of this job as you could easily dwell on a task if your not able to priorities. The workload in the first couple of weeks was fun, challenging and kept me on my toes however by the 3 month mark it became rather boring and predictable and I felt there were no real challenges, at this point it was more about personal development. So I would recommend capitalizing on this opportunity by setting your own personal development challenges (e.g. learning new Excel Skills)

I was given the responsibility of being a team lead, managing a highly confidential HR doc and also manage various new hire inductions. This role did provide many responsibilities however that is not to say that is comes without strings attached and I often felt that that management looked over my shoulder one to many times. This was a matter of making sure you gain managements trust so they know you are competent enough to carry out the task at hand.

IBM gave me opportunity to put my business degree into action however except for Excel and communication skills there is no other skills I could take from this role as we did not have a varied task load. I do think that this year was helpful in figuring out how a large corporation runs, however being in a large business like IBM means that you don't have much flexibility with your work load as in, if you are given a task you complete only that task. So if your the kind of person that likes to take on more responsibility IBM may not be the place for you as it is easy to step on someone's toes which in turn means politics.

The atmosphere is calm and fun. There is a great intern community so alot of opportunities to socialise with interns and also network with professionals. It is especially great if you are working as a team as you have constant company which is sometimes needed when the workload gets a bit dull.

It was very organised, there was always a link or person that you could talk to for assistance when you were stuck and expectations are communicated to you very early on.

They invest alot in developing employees, however it is important to become 'stable' in your role before branching out. Make sure you book opportunities in advance and that all parties are aware.

Great opportunity for graduates, and tremendous amount of support provided to help choose what graduate scheme would be best for you. Even if its not your first choice keep IBM as a safety net great company to be apart of especially for a working woman.

Everyone is friendly, friend circles are established very early on in the scheme- so get making friends quick.

It is expensive in London, so make sure you spend your paycheck wisely and save at every give opportunity or paying rent will be hard. Try and live with other interns as it is cheaper, you may have to consider 'tubing' it to work to get a cheap property that doesn't eat away at your paycheck entirely.

Great links to central London and loads of tourist attractions. The clubs and pubs are very close by so loads of fun

You have many opportunities to do many activities, IBM have a scheme called Give back where you can go to a school or collage and talk about IBM the experience gives you confidence in presenting and networking skills.