NCA Sales Analyst for UKI & BLX Review

I really enjoyed my work placement at IBM for so many reasons but mainly because it gave me the correct exposure I needed in order to pursue the career I want. The opportunities available and chance to continuously learn are something that you will not get at any other company. The scheme I was involved in has opened so many doors for me and given the right experience and opportunity to develop as a professional that will allow me to progress further.

At IBM you find yourself connected to all aspects of the business which is great!! You learn so much about the different units and everyone is more than happy to have a chat, help you out or go for a coffee. I have always been appreciated and valued for the work I put in and have never been made to feel like an intern but an IBMer. It made me feel comfortable, work hard and allow me to position myself properly to add value.

The support you are given whilst at IBM is extraordinary. Not only do you have your manager, but you are also supported by your Early Professionals Manager (EPM) as well as the rest of the Foundation scheme. They are always there to listen to your queries and offer you advice and are also there to support your aspirations and wishes. By consulting my managers and mentors of my career aspirations they were able to put me in the right direction or put me in touch with the necessary people to get further ahead towards my goals.

IBM goes through lots of changes as is such a demanding business and so you have to treat every day as it comes, in my department anyway! At the beginning of my placement it started a bit slow however it wasn’t long until it started picking up the pace and I felt a little swamped at times. However for me, this is what made my placement exciting! It was a roller coaster ride and after being advised that it won’t stop when starting my own career I was not put off at all. Rather, I was so lucky to have experienced what life at work is really like with the placement at IBM.

I was given loads of responsibility during my time at IBM. There are tons of opportunities to get involved in but to be successful in it you have to be proactive! Some of the responsibilities I led or was involved in were asked from me however quite a big proportion of that was due to my willingness and eagerness to get more involved. Some of the responsibilities included managing confidential information, taking on a new division on top of own role halfway through and leading a give back scheme as well as organising events.

The IBM placement has given me the correct skills and development that I need to progress way beyond my degree. It has given me the structure and motivation to ensure that I put 110% into my degree to achieve the results I want. Furthermore, with the presentations I have done as well as the knowledge I have gained and the client focus skills and experience I have built throughout my time has put me in the perfect position to pursue a career in sales.

It is a nice atmosphere in the South Bank office as well as all the other offices I have visited. Everyone makes you feel comfortable and it is clear when to see the difference between professionalism and relaxed. As long as you are dynamic and adaptable it is a really really great place and environment to work in.

The Foundation scheme is exceptional and very well organized with a dedicated team to support interns! They are very well organized and are consistently on top of things including email reminders and constant support and guidance throughout all we are involved with. This includes reviews as well as any opportunities that are available for us.

IBM holds regular education events for people of all backgrounds and across all roles can get involved with. Events and sessions around different units or solutions to build on your knowledge or schemes that can help you develop upon your skills. IBM also encourages consistent learning online through their Think40 scheme by completing 40 hours of online education. The foundation scheme also provides many schemes to develop training and development, including business briefing calls, training sessions and events such as the Hybrid Hackathon!

Extremely appealing. From what I have experience throughout my placement I have completed and submitted my graduate application and hoping to return to IBM with a role within Sales. The opportunities I was given helped me to develop upon what I want to do in the future.

Definitely! IBM hires loads of interns so the opportunity to socialise is not low at all! Permanent IBMers are also great fun and willing to go out on social events and IBM are also always holding events that ALWAYS follow with social networking drinks afterwards. I formed a great group of friends that will continue after my placement. I even went on holiday with one of my new friends. The amount of time you spend with some of them leads you to creating really strong bonds with some people.

London is quite an expensive place to live, but I guess that all depends on the lifestyle you want to live! Luckily, I was able to live at home so I didn't have much money worries but there are things to support all needs. Cheap options as well as luxury, that is why London is a great place to live.

Range of different places and venues to visit after working hours and always find someone up for it! Luckily, with the flexibility you won't have to worry too much about the next day as long as you have built up the right attitudes and relationships!