Infrastructure Integration Assistant UKI Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement at IBM and have learned a lot from the year. My role was challenging however I enjoyed undertaking each new challenge as they arose. Throughout the year I had the opportunity to undertake education, Giveback and shadowing to learn from employees outside of my immediate team and gain the most of my year. I had the opportunity to travel to IBM locations around the UK and was even lucky enough to spend a week in Ireland providing assistance to IBM employees. I have enjoyed my placement so much I hope to join the graduate scheme at IBM

I had a good working relationship with my team and was given new opportunities and responsibilities throughout the year. I also worked alongside other colleagues and regularly received thanks and positive feedback from colleges I had worked alongside during my placement year. I therefore felt very valued by my team and colleagues.

I had regular meetings with management to ensure I was enjoying my year and making the most out of the opportunities available. I was able to undertaken my role with minimal supervision however management was always there to step in or provide assistance if needed. This meant I could undertake my tasks in my own time, but working to deadlines, learning about prioritisation without being micromanaged.

Due to the nature of my role the workload varied due to the level of support required by employees. However, I never found myself sat at my desk without anything to do as there was always education, shadowing, ad hoc tasks etc to complete. This also allowed me to undertake giveback, managing this alongside my role to develop skills which I could then bring into my role where appropriate.

I was given responsibility during my placement from day 1 and after a short handover period was undertaking all aspects of the role. I was in contact with IBM employees on a daily basis and at times assisting executive employees. My role also required me to be in contact with the external telecoms provider, ensuring a good working relationship was maintained.

I had the opportunity throughout the year to undertake education which I could tailored to my career aspirations. I further developed transferable skills through my role and Giveback including presentation skills, networking, Microsoft office skills, communication skills etc. All of which can assist me with future education and employment.

The flexibility of IBM meant some days in the office were quieter than other. However, there was always a good, friendly atmosphere in the office. As I had the opportunity to travel to other locations, I was also able to work in different offices which provided a different atmosphere depending on their purpose. The London office was always busy providing numerous networking opportunities and also a chance to see the spaces where client meetings are undertaken.

I found the placement very well organised. In IBM placement schemes are organised by 'Foundation' who provide each of us with an Employment Personal Manager, who is there to ensure we make the most of our year and is not a member of our direct team should we have any issues during the year. They also undertake regular reviews with us to assess how we can develop further during our time here. In addition to this, Foundation organise regular sessions and calls to provide ongoing education so we can learn more about the business. They have been in regular contact throughout the year.

IBM encourages employees at all levels to undertake training and development. Through my year I have also had the opportunity to shadow employees, learning about their roles and how they have progressed within the company. I have also undertaken education sessions and workshops throughout the year in Agile methodologies and Design Thinking which was also an interest of mine. I was regularly given opportunity to develop my skills away from my immediate role.

Due to my experience on my placement year I hope to undertake the graduate scheme at IBM and continue my experience here. IBM hires a number of graduates throughout the year and the scheme will allow me further work on my skills and development as the scheme also falls under 'Foundation'.

IBM hired around 350 placement students in the UK and provided shared inductions between the different locations. At my base location North Harbour, Portmouth there were around 60 placement students then additional apprentices and graduates. We regularly met for social events throughout the year both inside and outside of work.

As I was based in Portsmouth which also has a university there was a large student population in the city meaning living was not very expensive due to student housing, deals and nights out. As we were paid during our placement it was easy to manage money whilst living in Portsmouth.

As Portsmouth is a student city due to the university located here the nightlife was good, busier in term time than outside. However, there was always a club open and good nights out. The student nights also allowed for cheaper nights out. The variety of clubs and pubs in the area suited everyone's preferences.

Alongside my role, I also balanced giveback throughout the year allowing me to get involved in numerous schemes from mentoring Portsmouth University students, to interviewing students at a local secondary school and assisting with assessment centres. This gave me the opportunity to give back to the local community and develop skills and relationships away from my role.