Sales Operations Specialist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year and would recommend the IBM placement scheme. During my year I was given an enjoyable job role where I was given a lot of responsibility. My colleagues during my placement were second to none.

I felt very valued by my colleagues and felt very much involved within the teams. I was able to build very strong relationships with my colleagues.

During my placement year I had two different managers, a task manager who helped me with my daily tasks and also a professional development manager who was there in case of any issues and also to discuss my development during my year and to help to plan my future career also. Both managers were extremely helpful and supportive.

My role was very much focused on quarters so at quarter end it would be very busy, this also meant that there were times at the beginning of the quarter where it would be quieter. During this downtime I ensured that I was available to help the sales teams, my task manager also supplied additional tasks for me to complete. I never felt unable to cope with the workload and I was never bored so I believe it was the perfect balance.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement year as I was given ownership of many tasks. I was trusted with completing tasks dealing with revenue figures where complete accuracy was key. I felt very trusted during my year and feel that the level of responsibility within the role was fantastic.

During my placement I was able to build and develop a lot of my skills through meetings with my professional development manager, training, education and Giveback. I feel that I have improved many of my skills to take into my final year at University and in the future.

I was based in Warwick, this is one of the quieter IBM offices, however the atmosphere was still good. The other IBM locations tend to be busier and also have a great atmosphere. It is a fun working environment to be in.

The IBM placement scheme is run by a section of IBM called Foundation. Foundation ensure that the placement is well organised and everything runs smoothly. Regular meetings with your professional development manager are set up. Foundation are also always there if you need to contact them. I felt that the placement was very well organised.

During my placement year I was needed to complete assessments on how I felt I was developing, areas that could be improved and how I felt that I had performed during my placement year. I completed a professional development plant that enabled me to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses. My professional development manager was very helpful at recommending education packages and training courses to attend and always encouraged participating in Giveback.

Placement students have to apply on the Graduate scheme the same way as external candidates, if successful at the CV stage then you will get on to the second assessment center and are assessed in the same way as external candidates. I have applied on the graduate scheme.

I was based in Warwick with 15 other placement students. We all got on really well and had a great year together. We did a lot of activities together, nights out, go-karting, ice hockey matches etc.

Rent in Warwick wasn't too expensive if you can share with other placement students (£600pcm for 2/3 people). Leamington Spa was only a 10/15 minute drive so socialising was good.

Leamington Spa is more lively than Warwick and is good on student nights

There were many opportunities to attend work events, team events and team lunches/meals.