Sales Operations Specialist - Networking Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship in London, South Bank. We had a great community of interns and graduates and it feels almost like a professional version of University

Extremely valued. I requested feedback for most of the jobs/projects I helped out with and received positive feedback every time.

I entered a new role that was completely reliant on my own activity and initiative, but was only guided by my manager at the time. Regardless of a busy schedule, they hired you, so they are willing to put in the effort to train you to produce results for them.

Relatively, in a sales role, it varies. There would be some days during the start of quarter where I wouldn't be very busy, but during the latter half, I would be extremely busy. This is completely dependent on your own role and your own participation

It varies - at IBM, you cannot expect something to be given to you, but to reach out to it. Like I said in how busy I was during my placement - I had to be active in my role in order to gain responsibility. Once you obtain it, you are most likely going to be offered more responsibility.

Most of the training you receive, is on the job. I prefer this as you are hands on every task you do and it's about trial and error, with communication from managers and peers which guide you to success. Asking people is key. The skills I developed will be continuously improving my personal development throughout my career and is very transferable.

The atmosphere is great - you are given flexible desks and a handset on each one. This allows you to be mobile in the office and gives you freedom to sit wherever you want. With a huge intern and graduate base in South Bank, I had a great time with communication and settling in. The office gives you a sense of responsibility of your own work rate and allows you to focus.

I believe it was very structured. With the foundation team by your side since you first apply for your internship, they will help you in your personal development with quarterly appraisals and feedback. This allows you to determine where you need to improve and guide you to becoming a great intern.

I work for a huge company with a lot of different departments that have a lot of friendly people. I was able to network with these people easily, through face to face meetings or conference calls. This gave me the upper hand to learn more about the business and gave me the confidence to network along the service lines within the company. This was completely down to the individual and you give yourself the responsibility to venture in the company, but again, it's easy in a big company where almost everyone is open to have a chat.

As an intern, we have an exclusive hiring process for the graduate scheme they offer within IBM. This is judged on your overall performance within your placement year, being highly rated your manager and having a successful application. The Graduate scheme gives us the opportunity to expand for our own personal development and also within the company, which is a great prospectus.

Yes - completely. You are entering IBM with roughly 250-300 other interns in your exact position. It gives you a sense of comfort knowing that you are learning alongside a huge group. I was fully endorsed by the whole Foundation scheme allowing me to feel comfortable within my placement. It allowed me to enjoy a social atmosphere in and outside of work.

I was lucky that I live with my parents in London and traveled rather cheaply into the office. However, for some, especially in London offices, expenses are difficult to manage. We are entitled to an extra sign on fee for applying for a London job, but as an intern, you have to manage your expenses well. It would be beneficial applying for a student oystercard and railcard for cheaper travel.

Great - at South Bank you are at the heart of London. There are plenty of social events/clubs/places to eat around here and if managed well, you can be doing something different almost every week!

Yes - plenty. The Foundation scheme encourage communications for new starters and social events are the best time to do this outside of work. This can be hosted by current interns, but are at most, very good. Other than this - at South Bank there are seasonal events, such as food markets and Christmas stores, that have a great participation rate.