Technical Sales Leadership Support Review

Overall, I really enjoyed the placement year although, of course, there were some aspects I enhoyed better and some tasks that weren't as interesting. As with all jobs, there as some admin involved which could occasionally become mundane but most projects I worked on were either fun or a great opportunity for personal learning.

Most colleagues thank me for my work straight away or take their time explaining what they would like me to change. With most of them I feel like my efforts are appreciated, especially when I’m working long hours. This is also reflected by “rewards” such as allowing more time for learning in an area of my personal interest. However, when asking for compulsory feedback for my reviews throughout the placement it was often hard to get responses as everyone is so busy.

I feel that within IBM the people really make a difference. Nearly all colleagues have been very supportive both in terms of personal and professional development and could at least point me in the right direction. Everyone I have worked with showed a personal interest in their clients and in me and my goals for the year, which I find impressive.

This really changed on a daily basis. In the run up for events I usually worked late and currently we are just one week away from a 400person event, which is why I have been working 8-7 most days. However, there has been plenty of time to learn online or network. For one day events or meetings in different offices travelling during working hours is accepted. When I wasn’t busy I actively sought extra work but of course that’s a personal choice.

The amount of responsibility increased throughout the year but even in my first month I was preparing work for the VP! In general I would say the level of responsibility was quite high for me and my placement student friends and therefore required extra attention to detail as they feed into performance reviews or commission rates. Naturally there were also simpler tasks such as printing and posting workshop materials.

Most of the skills development and training that I got involved in benefited my employability rather than assisting in my degree. However, it was also a great opportunity to analyse how some of the academic theories work in real life. In IBM there is a huge online learning tool with education on any topic, as well as regular sessions held for all placement students and training events that you can book into.

The atmosphere was friendly and supportive. I was sat with about 10 other interns, which at some points got a bit disturbing, but in general everyone was always welcoming. Booking rooms however for meetings or just working quietly by yourself can be very challenging and is something South Bank definitely needs to improve.

The placement was very well organized. As intern and graduate you join Foundation, who hold regular events for everyone such as Career Academy and round tables. I also like that you are assigned two managers: your task manager and a personal development manager, which adds extra feedback and support. The induction took place in North Harbour with interns from all locations, which was really good for networking, and we even got help setting up our laptops. The only negative I can think of is the huge number of students and graduates that IBM takes on.

With my particular role I was involved in some coding and report writing, which I had never done before. The business invested heavily letting me acquire the necessary skills. They have also been generous with off-site training and my manager has even invited me to some education events that meet my personal interests, such as leadership for women

The future employment prospects are good, previous interns probably a 10x bigger chance of being accepted as a graduate than external hires. However, the intern to grad way seems to be much harsher than with other organizations, where interns only need to complete an interview if even. We all have to reapply formally and hold a presentation with our achievements.

Socially it is really good because we take on so many interns. In South Bank there probably are about 150 placement students and Thursdays are known as the days to go to a bar with everyone. Of course this has died down a lot as everyone got busier but in the first few months most of us would go for a few drinks every single Thursday. Some interns are not sat with others throughout the day which has both advantages and disadvantages

It’s London so I’m sure everyone expects it to be expensive! IBM pays a higher salary for interns based in London, taking into consideration higher rents and transport costs. Personally I think it’s totally worth it and I definitely would like to move back to London after I graduate. There are cheaper locations but they also have less interns.

Nightlife was really good but expensive, especially in comparison to my university. With a job most people become a bit more responsible and we don’t go out every weekend so I think in a month it probably adds up to the same. Same as with all aspects may it be museums or restaurants; the choice of nightlife in London is endless in terms of venues, music etc

Outside work I did not get involved in that many organized activities but I’m sure there is plenty! Some of my friends do volunteering but I am still quite involved with some societies at my university and have used my weekends to travel. It’s London – whatever you’re looking for it will be available.