Sales Enablement Review

I really enjoyed the learning aspect of this role. The steep learning curve and pressure to perform really drove me to push my capabilities and achieve more than I thought I could. This kind of environment worked very well for me, but might not for everyone. Of course with every job there are aspects which you don't like as much as others. However, these did not take up most of my day, and if I had them done quickly enough I could focus on other projects or learning which I enjoyed more.

My colleagues had high expectations, and held me to the same standard they would hold any of their full-time IBM coworkers. However, if I reached or exceeded the standard they were expecting I would receive positive and helpful feedback. My manager and wider team had a strong understanding of the workload I had, and given the fact I was yet to complete my university studies, they were very appreciative.

I operated at a world-wide level which meant that I did not work with anyone in the office I was located in. My manager was remotely located, and often travelled internationally. During the first 3 months of my placement this was particularly challenging because my manager was my main contact for all and any questions. The flip side of this is that I took the responsibility for my own knowledge and learning, growing in confidence rapidly due to the autonomy granted to me. At a HR level every intern is assigned an Early Professionals Manager (EPM) who is there to ensure you get the learning, support, and guidance you need. My EPM was very helpful in resolving any holiday, payroll, and assessment queries I had.

Before I inherited the role there were 4 people who did it. That means I was essentially doing 4 people's worth of work. The first 6 months were non-stop, I was typically doing 50 hour work weeks. I didn't take any holiday for that first 6-month period. In the latter 6 months the workload quietened down so that I was at a normal 40-hour work week. This gave me a chance to take advantage of additional programmes and learning opportunities.

Since I operated at a world-wide level, I did not work with anyone in the office I was located in. Without anyone, aside from my remotely located manager, to turn to for questions I had serious autonomy. There was no one else in my international team who did a similar role to me, and my manager was not looking over my shoulder to check if I was doing my job. It was up to me whether the work was completed, when it was completed, and to what quality.

With any new job there is a steep learning curve, but during my first 6 months on the job I have never learnt so much so quickly. From simple professional skills to software skills to networking and soft skills, there is vast opportunity to learn at IBM. Additionally, IBM has a fantastic online skills gateway. Through this gateway you can achieve as many professional badges as you have time to do. Badges are available in every field imaginable, from coding to emailing, to industry skills, and open to anyone that is interested in them.

Dynamic. At the office I was located in there was a hot-desk and flexible office environment. This meant that anyone in the office that day could decide to sit next to you, which keeps things new and fresh, as well as giving you the freedom to choose where you sit. I sat with the European and UKI sales team, which meant plenty of intense conversations in the air, and clients coming and going.

IBM has great experience in setting up placement and internship opportunities, with a dedicated organisation to look after interns and apprentices: Foundation. From the 2-day induction through to our 3, 6, 9, and 12-month review - IBM supports work placements from start to finish. Additionally, each intern is assigned an EPM who is there to look after them and answer any and every question they have.

IBM has a fantastic online skills gateway through which you can earn professional badges which are applicable cross-industry, and are relevant for other companies. This is a great opportunity to dramatically increase the profile of your CV for the future, as well as arming you with skills which typically are associated with a high cost.

The graduate scheme application process at IBM is opened to all placement students 3 months before it is opened to the general graduate population. This means you have the opportunity to secure your graduate role before you finish your placement. Having done a placement there, it puts you in a much better position to re-apply, as you have references from other IBM employees, which hold good weight in the application process.

There was a good social scene amongst the ~200 interns at IBM this year. Regular nights out, such as a boat ball on the Thames, amongst other events. Furthermore, it was pretty normal to go for a pint after work on a Thursday. In the workplace there were plenty of opportunities to take on additional projects with other interns, and work with them even though they may work in a completely different part of the business.

I worked and lived in Central London in the London Client Centre, so as can be expected there was a pretty high cost for just about everything. However, you do receive an increased wage for working in London, and there are plenty of ways to live cheaply when you get used to it. Go to a museum or art gallery - they're free!

Nightlife in London is great, with innumerable bars, clubs, socials, and pubs you can never go to them all. It takes a while to put your ear to the ground to learn about the best spots, but you won't be disappointed. Make sure you watch the cost of a night out though, it's almost impossible to find a pint for less than £5!

Although other departments and areas of the business have plenty of outside-work activities, I never saw any for my department. One of my friends in another department job the IBM football team for our office, which played in a corporate league against other high-worth companies such as banks, investment firms, and insurance firms.