Software Engineer Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the role I was given for my placement year. It was challenging but very rewarding. Each day was different and I learned a lot about the technology and software very quickly. The days were sometimes long but I did not mind as I was fully engaged in what I was doing.

From the get-go you were a fully fledged member of the team with a real role and real responsibilities. I was treated no differently than any other new hire, be it a grad or an experienced higher. In every sense you were a member of that team with a job to do.

Support and guidance was always available whether it be from my managers or my supervisor. From day one I was given a work buddy who help me out with all the new joiner stuff and orientation. It was my responsibility to seek out the help and support I needed when i needed it but it was always forthcoming.

I was very busy on a day to day basis. Initially I was spending a lot of time learning about the product and my role. I then took on more complex tasks as I got to grips with everything. Throughout the entire placement I have not had time to be bored or not having anything to do.

This was the great thing about my placement. I was treated no differently to the more experienced members of the team. The role was the same for me as it was for them. You are not thrown in at the deep end and expected to swim. There is a learning period in which you are given the simpler components to work with but the technical support from colleagues in assisting with this was fantastic.

My technical skills have developed considerably since I began this placement. Being an international technology company of considerable size there is so much opportunity to learn about technologies outside of your role through IBM Badges. I took the opportunity to complete several badges during my placement. You are also given significant career development support to enable you to develop your soft skills such as presenting and how to increase your eminence within the organisation.

The Manchester Lab was really an ace place to work, learn and play. The atmosphere is very friendly with lots of activities to get involved with outside of the 'day job'. It really does feel like one big team all doing their best to deliver quality work. The location right in the centre of Manchester was also fantastic.

Being a large scheme that has existed for some time it is very well run and set up. Having separate managers focused on your career and on the task you have been given is a great idea as it means you get much more holistic development than you would with one manager.

There is a massive amount of training and development you can get involved with. It is down to you as an individual to take responsibility for this but the opportunities are huge, both in and outside your core roll. IBMers also undertake Giveback regularly which enables you to get involved in with the wider community during work time and do something worthwhile.

I am hopeful to receive a place on the grad scheme before I leave. This does not guarantee you a job as business interviews still need to take place with hiring managers. I personally would love to return to IBM as my experience has been great during my placement year.

There was an excellent social scene in the lab with a games room on site, regular trips to the pub, lab days with different activities, a running club, 5 a side football, board games, table tennis, darts, cinema. The lab is filled with energetic people so there are no shortage of activities to get involved with - or you could set something up yourself.

Manchester is a very reasonably priced area of the country to live and socialise. You can still get a pint here for less than £2.50 if you shop around and the rents are low in comparison to the south. Being a big student city you can also make use of your continued status as a student to get great discounts.

Manchester City Centre has a fantastic nightlife scene with something to suit most people and pockets. Though I did not get the opportunity to make use of bars/clubs/pubs/theatres/cinemas very much due to personal circumstances there is such a vibrant scene in Manchester there is always something to do for everyone.

As above, there were many activities to get involved with outside of work. As IBM has other sites in the North West there is a large community of colleagues and even a club you can sign up for that does many things such as trips to the theatre, football etc etc.