Core Deals Support Review

Overall, the IBM placement experience was enjoyable. With the seasoned placement scheme providing a lot of additional opportunities beyond the daily tasks set. It's great exposure with the global IBM network spread across various service lines. To get the most out of the placement it is essential that you're proactive and identify opportunities to pursue.

Although the remote nature of IBM makes face to face interactions with colleagues rare, I was still made to feel valued by my colleagues. This was evident through positive words based on work completed for the whole team and also through the delegation of high responsibility tasks. It is key to make an effort to add value to your team in order to subsequently feel valued.

I was given a lot of support all the way through my placement. I was made to feel comfortable when asking questions and was given sincere and informative answers each time. I was also supported when wanting to shadow in other areas of the business. It was also ensured that I had the starter materials needed to prepare me for the role.

Busyness varied but there were always tasks to be completed on a daily basis. As my placement role was new, I had to figure out what I had to do some of the time. I also ventured out into over areas of the business through shadowing which contributed to the work load. Overall it was a good balance of work but could have been better on the whole.

The level of responsibility I was given began to increase as time went on, starting from general administration tasks, to putting together documents which have been presented to clients. There are high expectations as well as opportunities to prove you can be given high levels of responsibility

Despite applying for a role unrelated to my degree, I was able to put theory into practice. I have cultivated core professional skills during my placement which will be invaluable during the rest of my career

It was formal at times, but due to the large intern community it was very welcoming and lively. It was always a positive work environment

Certain areas could have been structured in a better way, this may be due to new initiatives being introduced over the course of the year. Overall there was a good structure for placement students which was clearly communicated

There were large amounts of investment, I was given time off to attend inter-firm development events and it is compulsory for employees to complete 40 hours of recorded learning over the year

The graduate program also offers a large amount of development opportunities for employees which makes it appealing

Yes, Thursdays were often dedicated to post work drinks and karaoke among placement students. Induction made sure that there was a good system among placement students

London prices are quite high, as I commuted from home, costs weren't too high

London has a lot to offer on a daily basis, in the South Bank area there were constantly things to do

Yes there were a lot of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work