IBM Commerce Marketing Channel Support Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time this year at IBM. Although extremely challenging at times, I have been able to experience a wide range of business areas and have gained highly valuable experience that I can take with me into my next role. I have been able to explore key areas of interest, such as Marketing and Social Media, and have been involved with a great range of fun, exciting and challenging strategic initiatives.

My wider team has been extremely supportive and really made me feel like one of the IBM family. I consistently gained feedback from my team that they could not have operated without me and they always ensured that I felt needed and valued.

One of the greatest strengths of the IBM placement is that you are assigned two managers. You have your daily Task Manager who is there to offer support related directly to your job role. You then have a second manager called an Early Professionals Manager (EPM). This is extremely beneficial, as it means that there is always an additional support mechanism in place.

I have been extremely busy during this year; I have been able to work on critical projects and have been given a great deal to get involved with. However, it has never been too full-on, as I have been able to raise concerns when my workload got too much so that I could decrease it a little bit.

I have been allowed to work on, and completely run, a number of key strategic initiatives. I was not treated like an intern - I was a fully fledged member of the team from day 1.

Returning to university, my experiences this year mean that I will have a far greater understanding of how theory can apply to the real-world. I have also learned a great deal about marketing, communications and social media that I hope to use in future roles.

The general atmosphere has been supportive and fun. It has been great to meet a range of new people and build friendships.

Organisation was great - there were multiple events going on over the year, reviews, presentations, and I always knew exactly when my deadlines were.

I was able to attend a training conference in Orlando, Florida, which taught me a great deal about new product offerings and how to effectively work within my Business Unit. I also attended a large number of courses and educational sessions run by IBM Foundation.

I am hoping to return to the firm once I graduate next summer. I have found a hiring manager and role that I will be able to fill if I make it through the internal application process.

There was a great social scene - it was great to work with so many colleagues of a similar age.

I was fortunate enough to live back at home, so I saved a lot of money there.

Working in London of course meant that the nightlife opportunities were really great. I loved being able to go for work drinks on a Thursday night with everyone along the Southbank!

Outside of work, there are a number of opportunities, such as sporting clubs, support groups, technical workshops, etc.