Global Business Services, Public Sector, Business Consultant Review

I enjoyed the variety of the work I got to experience during my year at IBM. I thoroughly enjoyed the responsibility and trust that IBM gave me, whilst I was treated and respected exactly the same as a full time employee. IBM is a multinational corporation, with this comes great opportunities in all parts of this business and I was always pushed to tap into my network to develop these opportunities into experiences. There were many opportunities to that I pursued outside my 'day job'.

I worked on three large public sector accounts, and during my time I was always valued and respected. As a placement student you are always likely to be expected to complete tasks that are often dull and monotonous but this provides you with the foundations to understand the more interesting work. My feedback in my 12 month review demonstrated how valued I was by the managers I worked for. IBM managers were always very understanding if illness or other emergencies were to occur.

IBM managers encouraged independence and self pro-activeness. Whilst at IBM you will have two managers. One known as a 'Early Professionals Manager' (EPM), and the other, a 'Task Manager'. Your EPM is in charge of your personal development and welfare and I had a very good relationship with mine. Whereas, your task manager is responsible for setting you work on a day to day basis. Having two different managers allows your to develop strong relationships with both managers on different levels and important issues.

Work differed on a daily basis. I worked on two delivery projects which meant the work load was fairly consistent throughout my tenure. However, during my bid work my work levels differed because we had to meet certain deadlines and then wait for responses from the client. When work levels were low I often completed giveback and online training to hone my skills.

I was given lots of responsibility during my placement. During one of my projects I completed a role that would be expected of a graduate. This role involved me attending meetings alone with the client.

The main skills I have developed are problem solving, initiative and technical skills. These skills along with lots of others will assist me in gaining a better classification of degree whilst also making me more employable.

IBMers often work independently and do not work in the same office each day. This creates a lonely atmposphere in the office.

The structure of the placement is well organised yet each placement for each intern differs. I never once worked directly for my hiring manager and instead worked on three different projects. Whereas, other intern's task managers worked with them on a daily basis, developing a strong and lasting relationship.

There are lots of online training courses and other opportunities for IBMers. However, there is not many IBM intern specific training face-to-face development sessions.

I am very interested in coming back to IBM as a graduate.

IBM employs a lot of interns across different offices and business units. Due to this, the social scene is not as strong as I imagine other smaller companies is. There are not many intern specific social events put on. No budget is given for interns to organise social events.

Expensive. I lived in Clapham London, working at the London South Bank office. The extra raise in salary is still not enough to offset the cost of living and renting in London. Socialising is second to none however. London is so social and lively, all of the time. I would live in London all over again.

Amazing. No better place than London, it just hits your wallet/purse.

Not many opportunities outside work as far as I am aware.