IBM Product Marketing Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year with IBM. I could not have asked for a better start to my career than I have experienced during my time here. The work is engaging and challenging and the Marketing team I am a part of are hugely supportive, offering guidance whenever I have needed it.

I feel very valued by my team. I have been given the opportunity to work on key activities, such as co-owning a zone at IBM's UKI flagship event of the year in 2017, with over 750 client attendees. My colleagues have opened up new opportunities to work on new and exciting projects, where I feel I have contributed to real business results.

Hugely. I am very lucky to have a supportive task manager who has helped me to grow as an individual, as well as a professional. She has given me constructive advice regarding my career and my skills, which have helped to pave the way to my ideal career. My Early Professionals Manager has also been great at supporting me and offering guidance when I have had any personal concerns or obstacles during my time here.

Very, I do feel that what you put into your role with IBM really does contribute to this, though. If you work hard and offer help to others, then you can build a network and a reputation within the company. However, I have definitely had to learn to say no when my workload has become slightly overwhelming.

Having worked on the key event mentioned above, as well as a vast array of Marketing activities, I do feel that I have been given lots of responsibility. Working on campaigns and creating assets for my team has generated real business results, which I am hugely proud of.

At the start of my placement year, I could never have imagined the amount of skills I have developed. From professional qualifications and awards such as the Duke of York Digital Enterprise Award, to learning to become proficient in Adobe software, I have gained skills which will benefit my professional development massively. Next year at university, I aim to run workshops and seminars regarding some of these new skills, such as Design Thinking and Agile.

Generally very positive, I feel lucky that despite working in such a large office, there is always a friendly face nearby. The people within the Marketing department are particularly welcoming and create a buzz within the workplace. This is a very happy place to have worked during my placement year.

From the first day of induction, until my final month on my placement. I have felt supported, part of a team, with a good idea of who I can contact for the right information. The structure of our checkpoint journal has also complimented my university coursework in a beneficial way.

To say "a lot" would be an understatement. I feel like a different person than when I first started my year with IBM. There is an entire platform dedicated to learning and development where you can access courses, earn new qualifications in skills such as Design Thinking, Agile, and countless other subjects.

I would love to return to IBM as a graduate, preferably as a Business or a Technical consultant. I have an interest in key growth areas such as Cloud and Analytics. I have heard many good things about the Consulting By Degrees programme and feel it would be a great opportunity for me to pursue.

I would strongly argue that we are some of the luckiest placement students around. With over 100 of us based in the South Bank office, I have made a group of friends which I hope I will be able to keep for life. I have had the best year of my university degree here and will be sad when I leave.

Understandably, London is an expensive place to live, which can provide some challenges. However, if you manage your money well then this is still easier than living on a student budget. If you are lucky enough to work in the South Bank office, you can get discount on some of the local bars and restaurants around this central part of London.

There is a huge buzz in the South Bank area and there are often events and fun activities going on close by. Lots of the placement students live in very lively parts of London such as Clapham or Camden, where there is a huge amount of things going on for young professionals. In London, there is something for everyone and you will never be out of ideas for an epic night out!

Again, the area of London is great for this. As mentioned above, there is something for everyone. For example, I know quite a few interns who have taken up running since living in London and have recently ran their first half marathon. There are plenty of clubs to take part in with the IBM community also.