Software Technical Sales Support, IBM Cloud UKI Review

On the whole, my day to day life at IBM was very enjoyable and I consider the year to be one of the happiest of my life. Some of the colleagues I have worked with this year have become friends for life and the IBM community ensured I worked in a comfortable environment. The role itself offered me experiences which helped me to grow in confidence and develop my professional skills but at times left me desiring more training which, due to time constraints, was understandably not available.

At no point, during my time this year, did I feel under-valued. I was involved in projects with multiple teams who, whilst understanding the limitations associated with a lack of experience, permitted me all opportunities to work with them. On one occasion, my manager used me and my role as an example for the value a placement student can provide IBM when in discussion with executives. To be spoken about in such a positive light helped me to grow in confidence and feel essential to the team.

The Foundation scheme provided me with an Early Professional Manager to partner my Task Manager. Having this pair to support me meant I was never without an ear when I had a problem. I also had regular meetings to discuss my personal development, career outlook and thoughts on IBM as well as my professional activity and best practices. The two managers provided useful advice and guidance which has thus far, and will continue to, shape my actions.

I feel that I had an ideal work-life balance through this year. On most occasions, I had a sufficient workload to see me through an 8:30 - 5:30 day. Occasionally, I would have less responsibility in my work, but would easily find opportunities to provide value to the business outside of my position and allow myself to gain more experience. Even less frequently than this, I would have more work to complete and have to stay in the office beyond 6:30. These occasions were so rare that it did not upset my work-life balance and actually helped me to understand that it's a non-issue to have to work late.

It's undeniable that my role was essential to the success of many of the projects I worked on this year. The responsibilities I was given helped to shape the progress we made with our clients and led to success on many fronts. There were a few projects on which I worked which produced little impact on the business but still provided valuable experience. All-in-all, I left an impact this year thanks to opportunities I was given.

There was no improvement to my mathematical skill set this year but I do believe this year will provide value to the third year of my degree and certainly beyond. The work ethic instilled into me this year will see me work harder and with better organisation towards my degree end. The technical skills and understanding I have gained will shape my career ambition and allow me to access future opportunities which I otherwise wouldn't have even been aware of.

Few miserable people around!

The Foundation system is outstanding!

Would have liked more but I understood that due to time constraints, it wouldn't be worth their while.

I have applied but will also look elsewhere - I'd be happy in certain roles but would probably be happier elsewhere.

New very close friends and we spent a lot of time together out of work.

Expensive London

Fun London.

Giveback is well organised but did mean travel so only went to Reading and Watford.