Finance Analyst Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement. The work given to me was both interesting and challenging, and behind you on every task is a very supportive team.

My colleagues treated me as if I had started the account the same time as them. They made me feel included from the very first day both within work and outside of work.

My manager and supervisors remained approachable and always made time to go through any work with me. I feel like whenever I needed the support it was there for me.

My days were fairly busy. The first couple of months I had to stay an hour or two after everyone had left to complete my work. There wasn't a time in the placement I was sat down doing nothing - I was always kept busy doing tasks.

A lot of responsibility was placed on me this placement - I feel this has helped with my personal development and has made me a more well-rounded individual. I like the fact that I was trusted to do the work, and if there was any time I struggled I could always turn to my manager for support.

The placement year has definitely given me far more skills than I had when I arrived at the beginning of the work placement. I worked in Finance which was specific to my degree, and I can honestly say going forward in a graduate role I will have more confidence and awareness of the expectation.

Something was always happening in the office - phone calls, meetings - however the canteen was the place which was most buzzing throughout the day. Meetings were regularly held there and there was a casual vibe about the place, making it a nice place to be during the day.

The work placement was set up very well in my opinion. Different learning activities and resources were always available for our own development, and the fact we had an Intern Manager as well as a Work Task Manager helped balance our work with our goals as an intern to make the most of the year.

The company provided lots of resources for interns to use to enhance our personal training and development. It was up to us as interns to make the most of these resources that were available. These activities were not just specifically related to our own job roles, but also other areas of the business for us to explore and get an insight into.

It is up to the interns to make a good impression throughout the year. At the end of their year, you send off a separate application to other candidates not taking a placement at IBM, and this is sent earlier than the other candidates so you have a step above the rest and therefore a higher chance of future employment prospects.

There were social events throughout the year. Every Thursday the Interns went for drinks / food. There were two big social parties also (Christmas and End of Year). Also, since Fridays are a common day for senior employees to work from home, the office is a good place for interns to socialise whilst getting on with work as well as going to the local Food Market for lunch.

IBM is based around the country so prices vary. I personally was based in South Bank, London, and so the prices for food, drink and accommodation were fairly high. Elsewhere, in Warwick, Portsmouth and Hursley, prices were relatively cheap for both the cost of living and socialising.

The Nightlife in London around South Bank is always buzzing. There is a new bar around every corner, and each bar is suited for any types of individuals. There are also several clubs around for people to enjoy. Underground also proves to be handy when it comes to Nightlife, as you can tube it to anywhere within London which picks your fancy and enjoy the Nightlife.

There were opportunities to be part of a Giveback scheme, which involved going to universities and schools to deliver placement / apprentice / graduate presentations, as well as mock assessment centres and careers fairs. This also counts towards a Think40 scheme, which contributes to an internal IBM achievement.