RFS Manager Review

I sincerely enjoyed my placement role, I have gained great exposure to how a strategic outsourcing works. I am lucky enough to get to work with the client on a daily basis and have supportive internal team. I get to work closely with senior executives, the commercial team, technical teams, security teams, project managers and more. I have been given a wide range of responsibility from the first day I started.

I am treated and valued like any other member of the team. I was told from the start of my placement that my opinion is as valid as any other member of the team, even if they have years more experience. I was told that the team welcomed new ideas and that I should challenge the way in which we do things in a hope to improve.

I was provided support from the very first day. From the start of my placement I was able to work closely with my manager and shadow her which allowed me to observe and to learn. I met with my senior mentor on the account monthly in which we talked about my progress, ass my performance and he would provide support and guidance if needed.

I was generally very busy on a day to day basis. However, my task manager was supportive of me spending time on my placement requirements, such as my journal, presentations etc. Equally I was allowed time to get involved in givebacks as well as completing online education and contribute towards my think 40.

I was given real responsibility from the first day. I had the responsibility of writing proposals from early on which allowed me to take ownership of some requests. When I first joined my manager worked part time, which meant that on a Monday and a Friday I solely represented the RFS process.

The skills I have developed whilst working a year on a strategic outsourcing contract will help me towards completing my degree and securing a graduate position. Working in a client facing role as an RFS manager has developed my commercial awareness, client focus, problem solving and communication skills. Not only will I have context to apply when completing the modules within my third year I will also have a years experience in the industry I am applying to, hopefully increasing my chances of employment.

The atmosphere was generally great in the office. Even when we are under extreme pressure there is always opportunity to have a laugh!

It was generally very well organized and the communication was good between EPM's and placement students.

The company invested in what I wanted to do, for example I wanted to attend a girls who can event as I knew it would benefit me and I would be able to network with the people I wanted to, I told this to my EPM and I was agreed I could attend. They are always open for you to put a case together.

Very appealing, I have applied for a graduate position. After spending a year with the company you can identify the amount of opportunities that this company has and good IBM is to work for.

Yes there was a good social scene amongst the interns at Manchester. Even though I was primarily based at a client site in the city centre, I would make a point of visiting the main manchester office often to be able to see the other interns.

My cost of living was around £500 per month, which left around £600 to be able to live on and have a social life!

The nightlife was great as I was based in the centre of Manchester. It was easy to go for a few drink straight after work with the team!.

It was a bit more difficult to get involved in activities as I wasn't based at an IBM office. However I joined a gym with the other intern I worked with which was great.