Business Development Advisor Review

I very much enjoyed my placement year at IBM. Gained a valuable insight into the Technology industry, expanded my network and was able to engage in several interesting projects within my role.

Colleagues and Managers treat University Placement Students as regular employees. The work I engaged in directly affected the teams I was involved in.

All I worked with were very supportive in helping develop my job related skills throughout my placement. They understood my role specific knowledge would be limited to begin with and there are many online and face to face courses that can support your learning.

My role meant that I was supporting several different sales teams across Europe meaning how busy I was varied from week to week. Typical hours were 9 to 5.30 form myself which is very manageable.

Given a good deal of responsibility. The reports I created were directly used by managers across Europe so I had to ensure accuracy.

Developed face to face and over the phone communication skills. Technical skills including digital programs and tools improved greatly. Overall, the experience has prepared me well as in what to expect for future graduate jobs.

Great office atmosphere. I was in London South Bank. 'Hot Desk' policy meant that employees can sit generally where they want to. Office is very large and in a great location next to Waterloo station.

IBM Foundation runs the University Placement scheme and organized the inductions and support of interns throughout the year very well. Placement students are given an Early Professionals Manager as well as Line Managers. This meant that we had point of contacts for any problems or issues.

Very heavily. IBM runs a Think40 scheme, encouraging 40 hours of personal learning for every employee in one year. There are a wide variety of online courses as well as seminars and workshops for employees to get involved in.

Very appealing. Able to apply to a wide variety of roles, form consulting to sales, for graduate job and have the advantage of a years work experience over other applicants.

Over 300 interns across the country. London South Bank has a very good social scene with many after work drinks! The 2 day induction in Portsmouth helps introduce yourself to other placement students.

Expensive as its London. Most placement students lived in the Clapham area. There are cheap bars and pubs that groups go to on Thursdays however, such as Walkabout Temple.

Office is in South Bank London so there are plenty of bars around. With Waterloo station being a 5 minute walk, it is easy to get to any surrounding areas for nights out.

IBM operates a GiveBack scheme where employees can volunteer in helping out events outside of the office such as back at university careers fairs. Opportunities outside of this such as travel, depend on your role and your network