UKICC Quality Analyst and Defra Change Management Review

by IBM

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.8/5

The Role

3.8
The Company

3.6
The Culture

3.9

The Role

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

I really enjoyed the experience IBM offered me throughout the last year. I have been able to increase my technical and business knowledge throughout the last year in opportunities that I wouldn't have otherwise had had whilst at my university.

4/5

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

My EPM and task manager supported me throughout the last year. I was also supported by other employees who I worked with during any tasks I undertook as part of my role.

4/5

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

At times when I first started in my Defra role, I was supported greatly. My manager showed me how to complete daily and monthly tasks. Whenever I required help I knew I could approach my manager and speak to her if I had any difficulties. In my SM role there were times when I had difficulties as I was completing tasks where no one else in my immediate department had experience of but using other documentation I taught myself instead on the job.

4/5

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

At times I was quite busy as I had multiple meetings and calls during the day. However, on some days I had little work. My managers were happy to provide me with extra work as necessary in order to keep me busy if I needed any.

4/5

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

I led a project to complete the deployment packages for the UK and Ireland accounts in which I registered the Integrated SM processes in one of the tools. I also gave numerous presentations during compliance calls every week to update them on the progress of this project.

4/5

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

I feel through the opportunities that I have experienced and skills that I have developed it has allowed me to grow throughout the last year. I have developed coding and presentation skills that I can now take forward into any graduate roles that I will apply for.

5/5

The Company

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

In my office, I sat with a group of other interns from across the department but not necessarily in the same role as myself. IBM has a flexible working policy so some days I may be the only person in the office but when others were in it was an enjoyable place to work.

3/5

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

The IBM 3, 6 and 12-month presentations allowed me to regularly report to my EPM and keep her up to date with my progress during the placement. IBM also makes sure you complete a journal for them to track how you progress which is assessed as part of your final marks. These 2 methods of assessment mean that you are always pushing yourself to improve yourself throughout the year.

4/5

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

IBM allowed me to work in numerous projects including presentations to clients. They provide you the opportunity to get involved in projects outside of your role to increase your employability and give back to the company.

5/5

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

Subsidised Canteen

Financial Bonus

Company Parties/Events

Working from home

3/5

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

IBM has multiple graduate roles that you can apply to if you choose to do so. These roles, when I applied, were restricted some areas but there are opportunities available across a wide range of departments in the company.

4/5

The Culture

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

Good. In my location, there were opportunities to get to know other interns, meet at lunch at go out of a weekend. I was located in a student town so from October to June there were many opportunities to socialise.

4/5

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

Rents were around £450-£500 per month in rent and many interns house share during the year. If you'd prefer to live alone it can be a little more expensive but not too much.

4/5

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

Good, I was located in a student city so there were many opportunities to go out.

4/5

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

Definitely, there were many opportunities to visit other IBM sites and opportunities to get involved in projects to develop solutions for IBM's clients.

5/5

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