PMO Coordinator Review

I really enjoyed my work placement as I was given lots of responsibility and given a role which gave me a true reflection of what the industry is like. I felt being placed on a client site was vital to the success of my placement year as it allowed me to be treated like a graduate rather than an intern.

I felt very valued by people within the company and this was shown in the tasks I was doing, the responsibility I had and the expectation that was expected on me. My colleagues were always willing to help me where needed and whether the collegue was a graduate or a Partner, would almost always treat me as an equal who was respected and being listened too.

My task manager on the project I was based on, took an interest in me furthering my skills wherever possible and taking on new opportunities. She was also emphasised learning from your mistakes and to drive things through to conclusion. One of my favourite things about placement was the advice that people were willing to give you. This was because you could see they cared considerably about the company and the next generation that may work there in the future

I was very busy on a daily basis. I enjoyed this aspect of the placement as it was the same for all IBM employees on the project and I knew the work I was doing was making a difference. Although sometimes it I became to busy, I used these opportunities to learn how I got into that situation, so that it didn't happen again

I was given considerable responsibility on my placement which was more then I expected when entering my placement year. This was the key factor in enjoying my year in industry and wanted to come back as I took great pride in my work, and due to being responsible, you push yourself to go the extra mile

I feel that there are many skills that I learnt on placement that will help me considerably after University such as communication to people in different cultures, speaking to large audiences, enhanced excel skills and attention to detail. In terms of university, My dissertation will be based on my placement year, for which I have plenty of material to write on due to the level of responsibility I was fortunate enough to receive.

The majority of my experience was not based out of an IBM location due to being on client site. Whilst on client site, There was very much a work first mentality whilst in the office and the social aspect was saved for after work or lunch time.

When originally I passed my assessment centre, there was a matching pool process where you get matched to a role. This process is very unclear and the role which I was offered was nothing to do with role I eventually did. This was in hindsight a blessing as I had a fantastic placement in a great role, however the initial process of getting to start was anything but seamless

IBM give you every opportunity possible to do online training or personal training to expand your skills and learn as much as possible. They have a terrific online platform which tracks your learning through out the year and regularly send invites to training such courses such as Excel help of Agile Management training

From working with many graduates while on my placement and seeing the opportunities they are given from the beginning I would love to work for IBM after University. I have applied back through the intern-to-graduate programme and if successful based on my performance on placement I will receive an interview to give me the opportunity to return after University

When starting on placement, there was very little social activities in the graduate/placement community on the programme. Following IBM discovering this, they made a concerted effort to put on social events and to give the younger community (many of whom were away from home) opportunity to make friends and socialise outside of work.

I predominantly worked out of Maidenhead which was very cheap for an area just outside of London although sadly there was not much to do as the high street is relatively run down. When at Head office in London, It was very expensive but the social atmosphere was excellent and there was lots of things to do.

There was only one/tow nightclubs and bars in the area that stayed open at night. This is one aspect I think Maidenhead should improve

IBM offered many opportunities to get involved in activities such as the corporate game or many networking events.