Business Operations Review

I really enjoyed the level of responsibility I was given whilst on placement at IBM and because of that have grown my business acumen and maintained a professional attitude towards work.

Within IBM, there's a danger that you can become distant to your team at IBM if they are not based at the same location as you, so it's down to you to maintain relationships both within your team and other placement students.

Within IBM there are 2 managers, your task manager as well as an foundation manager. Throughout my time at IBM, I always felt that if I needed anything, I could reach out to either of my managers and they'd me more than happy to help.

As a member of a team, you will receive your standard tasks which are varied, thus meaning they also vary in how long they take. Once you've completed those tasks depending on how long they take, it is down to the individual on seeking out more work or seeking help with the amount of work they currently have on their plate.

I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of responsibility I was given whilst on placement at IBM. I would be speaking with my client on a weekly basis which gave me an opportunity to widen my business network.

From the area of the business I worked within, my soft skills were improved immensely as well as improving my presenting skills, and my general business etiquette. This will therefor help me with my degree studies in respect of presenting either on my own or as part of a team as well as applying for graduate positions in the future.

The atmosphere in the office was pleasant. there are a large amount of interns that worked in the office I was based out of, therefor the general atmosphere was fun but with still a focus on business and developing as young professionals.

The placement at IBM is fairly well established with reviews happening every 3 months. There's also the opportunity to meet with various members of the placement team, if required.

There is a education portal available for all employees at IBM with varying types of things to learn, from different languages to understanding other parts of the business

I will definitely be applying back to IBM as part of the graduate scheme, having spent 12 months at IBM and learning about the company and the possibilities as part of the graduate scheme.

Yes, there are lots of opportunities to socialise outside of work with the office I was based at being in the heart of London. These would range from drinks after work on a Thursday, playing as part of one of the sports teams, Christmas parties and introductory parties.

Lunch was fairly expensive because of where the office I was based out of was, the cost of socialising were normal London prices.

The South Bank office is opposite a pub, and only a short walk over the bridge to central London.

IBM has lots of sports teams as well as other clubs that all employees can get involved with.