Workforce Management Programs Review

The role is very central to IBM's operations across Europe, so there was lots to learn, understand, and then practice. At times the role was extremely busy, but I would rarely work outside of hours 9am-6pm. The work has some daily/weekly repetitive elements to it, but also smaller ad hoc projects. Overall, I enjoyed the broad perspective to the role, and how it helped me to develop in areas I hadn't before. At times, it was very busy, but still enjoyable.

I was always thanked for the work I did, particularly from my direct team members and because of this I felt valued. But also because I became a trusted member of the team as well. Within my direct team there was around 20 people, and all were based in other locations, which obviously made it more challenging when building a strong network. However, I did work with everyone in the team at least once, which made me feel valued, useful and reliable.

As previously stated, my team were located in other locations, which sometimes meant I was self-learning. Whenever I was introduced to something new there would be an interlock, but it can be difficult to learn something new without someone next to you to teach you. However, help was always provided when I asked for it and colleagues were patient when I was learning.

The role was intense, and I would have to prepare daily reports regularly through the day. Given the position or the role within IBM, I was naturally busy and would have to answer to a large range of people across Europe. I never really had to work out of office hours, but during the hours I would be very busy. There were times were I would be very quiet, but these were less frequent and at times when the business had begun a new quarter.

I was in an essential role in the operation behind IBM's hiring processes which led to a high amount of responsibility. Part of this responsibility was approving/rejecting requests within a tool used for hiring approvals. Without the approvals the business development could stagnate, and if you make a mistake it could be costly for the business.

The role was suitable to my chosen degree, which is Business Management and International Business.It showed me how to operations and infrastructure behind IBM services work, which relates to my degree. The role allowed me to build on a wide range of skills, attributes, and areas such as analytics, IT, business operations, teamwork, presenting, business processing and reporting.

I sat in a 'touchdown' part of the office, not assigned to a particular team , just GTS. This meant it was occupied by lots of interns, and graduates, which made the office am enjoyable place work. Even still, the office wouldn't be too loud that you couldn't focus when needed.

I had clearly assigned tasks which were suitable for an internship. The role was new, so I helped to develop and make the role essential for the business. IBM have a clearly assigned process for interns which is highly organised and designed so you can take the most from your placement year.

IBM offer a range of opportunities for interns, such as Giveback, coding workshops and career fairs. These are great for you to broaden your learning and understanding of certain areas in IBM, which is great in deciding what you want to do. There are also online training schemes which are great, as they are endless and cover almost every area within the company.

IBM offer different options for graduates on 2 schemes. There is an early option for interns to apply first, in June. After speaking to graduates, the opportunities sounded interesting and ideal for what I would like to go into. I would urge everyone to apply back when the chance is there.

Yes, IBM induct large groups of interns into the company at the same time. Ths means you are always aware of who the other interns are. It also means that there is a good, strong social scene behind the work. There was an interns Christmas party and also a regular after work events such as games and drinking.

Living in London, living costs are high which can make socialising less frequent than you would like, but still feasible. People should be prepared for the high rent prices and expensive nightclubs. You should contact other interns to live with if you are not from London. If local, I would highly recommend living at home.

It was central London, so lots of different areas, clubs and bars to visit. They are expensive, but in some local bars you can get discount with an IBM ID. I wouldn't say an area in London is orientated towards students, but there are places to go which are affordable and are a good night out.

Yes, and managers were always willing to let you have time away from work to explore the activities. These included Giveback, coding workshops and career fairs, which are more orientated towards IBM. There are some activities like the games nights, which are made for students to try and build up a vast network whilst at IBM.