FSS Business Operations Support Review

I was lucky enough to form part of the FSS business unit's senior leadership team throughout my placement year. This involved consolidating financial forecasts, attending strategy review meetings, and hosting a variety of financial account team calls. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year, I recognized that my work was contributing to the overall success of the FSS business unit.

I believe that my colleagues valued my work. I was always asked to help support my team on various tasks, my team involved me in the majority of their work. I was always thanked for my work - my team made me feel comfortable in my first ever 9-5 job! Furthermore, I was asked during month end closing periods to work weekends, the team valued my contribution and support.

My task manger was one of the main reasons why I have enjoyed my placement year so much! I was always able to reach out to my task manager for support where necessary. IBM have a great instant messaging platform, so whenever I needed guidance I could quickly gain confidence by speaking to my task manager.

My role had an obvious monthly structure... which helped when looking at time management. 2 weeks out of 4 were filled with back to back account review calls - these were my busy weeks. During the other two weeks of the month I was able to get on with any adhoc requests and catch up on my other responsibilities. Luckily my days were packed... I was full of busy!

In my opinion, my role at IBM had huge responsibility attached to it - I was responsible for forecasting $30 million a quarter... small beer to IBM, but a huge responsibility for an intern student! I was also trusted with ownership on a variety of other tasks.

I believe this placement year has really helped shape my learning and development. I was able to test theory's learned in the lecture theater, and develop key business skills though the IBM learning and skills platform.

During my placement year I worked in the Southbank office in London... from an insiders perspective, the best office to be in for many reasons! Firstly, most of the senior leaders work in this office, which gives you the opportunity to network through round-tables and foundation ran events. Secondly, there is a huge intern population in Southbank (around 150 interns), so there is always a friendly face, and people to socialize with after work. The office is always busy, and there are always events going on with clients.

When working at IBM you are given a task manger (that sets you daily responsibilities) and an EPM (HR manager, that monitors your progress throughout the year). You have 4 set meetings during the year: 1) Initial meeting with EPM 2) 3 month review 3) 6 month review (end of probation period) 4) Final review - do you want to come back to IBM? This structure acted as stepping stones throughout the year, and worked really well alongside the IBM placement journal which is mandatory to complete. My only issue is that it is your HR manager that has a huge say in if you come back to the company as a graduate... you only need to meet this person 4 times... and in my case twice (my first manager left the company)! There should be a better structure behind task manager involvement.

IBM have a skills based platform and a think40 initiative. During your year our CEO deems it appropriate for every IBM employee to complete 40 hours of education/training outside of his/her job role. There are many courses to get involved in!

I have already applied back to the IBM graduate scheme, specifically into GTS rotation scheme. This scheme is extremely appealing as you get to 'sample' 4 roles within the two years before fully committing to a final role. Also you have the opportunity to network across service lines and business units! I would also love to complete IBM sales school as a graduate as it is recognized world wide.

As stated prior, the reason the social scene was so good at IBM is because I was based in Southbank! With an office full of 150 interns, our going to like at least a few of them to go for a drink with after work!

One downside to living in London is the cost of living! On average interns were left with under half of their monthly salary after rent and bills were taken into consideration. Take note, you will not save cash on a placement year! I would advise finding a house share in Clapham (thats where most young professionals/ the majority of IBM interns live).

Expensive, but great! And from a fellow Geordie... a good night out!

There were a variety of clubs and extra curricular activities to get involved in. One being the theater club - cheap tickets to go and see shows in the west end!