Business Development Analyst Review

I have really enjoyed my placement with IBM. It has been varied, challenging and interesting. I have been able to utilise the analytical skills I gained from my degree and learn how to use them in the business setting. It has been a steep learning curve and that has been rich in opportunities.

Personally, I have been made to feel extremely valued as a colleague. In my experience at IBM you are seen as an IBMer, not as an "intern", so in order to feel valued, you need to prove your worth and your ability to get things done before being valued by your team.

At IBM, you are given an early professional manager as well as your task manager. My 'EPM' has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my placement and dealt with any worries or issues I have come across as an intern. Furthermore, my task manager's have really cared about my professional development and taken the time to guide me rather than just give me work.

My role is particularly busy on a daily basis however, working in one of the fastest growing business units definitely has more benefits. Like most jobs, it has busy periods and also quieter periods but there is always work available in the form of taking on extra projects or tasks that aren't technically part of your role.

From the offset, I was given a lot of responsibility. This is really dependent on your relationship with your manager and how much they trust and value you. I think because I had a close relationship with my manager and got on well he trusted me with client facing work as well as my own projects and organising a 200 people external conference.

I think the main thing that I have learnt that will assist with my studies is the ability to prioritise and get things done. I feel like I now know how to create an organised plan to better utilise my time whilst studying. In terms of beyond my studies, this placement has kick started my career and provided me with a foundation of skills that I will be drawing upon for the rest of my working life.

Working in central London has probably been one of the best aspects of my role at IBM. There are a lot of opportunities that are based in London and the atmosphere in the office is great. It is still an office environment but we have weekly meetings which have cake and we even have themed team meeting (fancy dress included).

This year IBM was awarded the top undergraduate placement provider and there is a reason it was awarded the accolade, The placement is extremely well organised by the dedicated "foundations" team, they provide excellent training and support you in starting your career. It is clear from day one the structure of the placement and how to be successful.

IBM has a long list of opportunities available to all employees. They have endless amounts of online training as well as a packed calendar of initiatives that will help you develop as an employee. The company invests in you as much as you want them to, and I think it's really up to the person to make that happen.

Working for IBM as a graduate would be fantastic, they have a variety of different roles that are open to interns to apply back to. We have a dedicated training day solely for the purpose of careers, which they outlined what was available and the process. IBM has one of the best grad scheme training programmes in the world and I would love to return if given the opportunity.

There is a large amount of interns that are based in London so the social aspect has been particularly good. We have had 2 large socials as well as weekly karaoke! The Christmas boat party was a particular highlight. Most people will form close friendships with other interns, the interns in my team spent a weekend together in Copenhagen.

As expected, living and socialising in the capital isn't cheap. The good thing is that there are more free events and cheap things going on than anywhere else in the country it's just a case of finding them. My rent is ridiculously high however, I live walking distance away from work and live on the Thames. You can live and socialise in London on a budget it just takes some consideration and thought.

London has the best nightlife in the UK. There is something for everyone, live music, underground music, theatre, top DJs, you name it London has it! Most places are open until very late with some clubs open until midday the following day. The only downside to the nightlife is the price but if you know the right places and happy hours it works out just fine.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with during a placement at IBM. I am a part of EAGLE UK which is IBM's LGBT community that organises things such as London Pride parade and other social events away from work. There are also a number of sports clubs and teams including the corporate games against other organisations.