This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I enjoyed my placement much more than I expected to. And IBM provided and facilitated a variety of external opportunities outside the primary job role. Allowing me to gain experience across all aspects/sectors at IBM.
I was working in a large, global team but only four of us where based in the UK, including myself; two others of which where interns. We got along very well and shared the role between us as a team.
Guidance was hard to come by, the work mainly being independent and self-driven. However, I felt very supported here; was unafraid to ask questions and was encouraged by my Task Manager to seek experiences outside the main role.
The work load ebbed at times and then, at other times we were very busy.
We were given rather a lot of responsibility, having been given administration rights to the primary tool of the team; which enabled the management process, and auditing of work done, when bringing a product/offering through from beginning to end. We also had a role in designing the business framework.
The interpersonal skills I've improved and gained will be useful not just in my degree studies, but in everyday life.
The Company
Quiet, but friendly. Everyone mainly focused on their work.
I didn't really have a set 'role' as such. It was more flexible than that, more 'can you do this' rather than 'this is what you have to do'. However, I preferred it this way as it kept things interesting.
We had two induction days at the beginning, and various mandatory training through-out the year.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Car
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
International Travel
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
Healthcare from home
Healthcare/Dental
Travel loan
Currently, I've applied for a graduate position back where I was based (IBM Hursley) once I've finished my degree, and I very much hope to gain an offer.
The Culture
Yes. We had team barbecues and went out for meals together sometimes, however I would say that fellow placement students stuck together most of the time.
I lived in Winchester during my placement, and it was rather expensive to live there. And without a car, public transport to work everyday cost around £25 a week, so it wasn't great.
If you're based at IBM Hursley and looking for a good nightlife, I would recommended living in Southampton rather than Winchester.
There were. Giveback is a big part of the community at IBM; where you voluntarily put yourself forward for events. e.g. giving presentations, working with children, helping in assessment centers etc.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
May 2018