Alliance Co-Ordinator Review

I really enjoyed my placement at IBM. The variety of the work paired with the amount of responsibility given to me made it a rewarding and enriching year. IBM support you in whichever direction you want to take a role, so in effect you create your own job and make it yours.

From the first day I felt hugely supported by my IBM colleagues and never once was I made to feel like 'the intern'. My team was European so I only worked with my immediate boss, but we built up a great relationship. The only downside is that IBM partners/ clients often see interns as nothing, so I felt under valued here sometimes but I recognized it was because of my title not me. Usually you can build on their trust over time.

I was always given enough help to make the work do-able, but not too much that would make it easy. Management stretched and challenged my ability to handle situations alone but where always available to help if I couldn't work something out. I also received support from the foundation team which I couldn't fault.

My work load fluctuated. Nearing the end of quarter we were always really busy but at the start we were often quiet. I managed to pad my job role out by getting involved in other areas of the business, give back and investing in my education further with IBMs learning platform.

I was given how I perceived to be the right level of responsibility. At the start of the year I was coached and guided, and had regular check backs with my manager, however as I picked the job up, I was given my own projects to run end to end.

I think it's hard to say how the practical experience will effect my degree studies, but I would assume I will be able to relate to some of the teachings. Working full time will also help me when it comes to organization and time management skills at uni. The biggest skill I have learned moving past uni is my communication with people all over the world. I also took advantage of the training IBM provides so I have increased knowledge of the industry and some specific plays.

I worked from home most days, so didn't have the office experience so much. When I did go in, IBM operate a hot desking routine whereby you can sit anywhere in the building. It's sociable but can be very loud if everyone is on calls around you. Everyone is talkative and polite, the atmosphere has a good vibe.

IBMs placement scheme seems very well organized. Each student is assigned to an early professionals manager as well as their task manager. They track your progress over the 12 months and share opportunities to get involved in. Your job itself isn't as structured, it is like a 'proper job' so rarely has a set to do list.

IBM have a scheme where every employee should be allocated 40 hours to do 'YourLearning' activities. These are online courses ranging from soft skills to coding, of which anybody can get involved in. If you have free time (or want to do them at home) there is no limit to the amount of training you can do. There was limited F2F training.

Very. IBM have just won Grad employer of the year. By doing a placement here you have access to those who employ grads, the opportunity to find exactly what area of the business you would apply for and if you do choose to come back, you skip some of the application process.

Yes there is a huge cohort of interns, grads, futures and apprentices. Usually you tend to sit with fellow intern in the day, have lunch together and most of us socialize out of work (and live together). There are limited 'organised' events to bring placement students together but through induction you build a group anyway.

Very high. Central London so everything is more expensive, Expect to pay double the rent you paid at university, and 3x the drink prices. IBMs salary is very good for an internship and takes in to account London... but this doesn't cover everything if you were to embrace your social life.

Thursday was the big night after work in London. Opposite IBM there is a bar where we all go and have some drinks. There's also some cocktail bars who do 241 for IBMers, and the restaurants offer 10-25% off their food and drinks. The social scene is very good at SouthBank.

Yes lots. You are in control of your own time management. This means that when you have finished your role, you can get involved in anything. This might be representing at big events, helping recruit, shadowing in another area of the business or helping community projects in your local area.