Business Operations Reporting Analyst Review

The team was very supportive, and appreciation was given where deserved. There were regular team meetings to ensure everybody was included in decision making and got to voice their opinions whilst addressing important issues. On the other hand, there was appreciation given and feedback on how to improve both verbally and through the internal tools, which to me was very important.

It was a great year, there was a great dynamic with the team as I was mostly working with other interns and the nature of work I took- the level of responsibility and autonomy was more than what I expected from an intern role. The experience of working in London complemented that and the support available was amazing, the ability to message anyone in the company or to walk up to someone and just have a chat was something I did not expect.

We had weekly meetings with our manager- in the first six months these were one on ones. The first few were just about getting familiar with the role and starting to setup checkpoint goals- if there was anything I was stuck on my manger would help take me through those tasks. If during the week I ran into an issue or had a query on something, I could always have a short chat with my manager who sat across me (the office had an open floor plan). My manager also encouraged dropping a note/ email or setting aside some time via calendar bookings to go through anything I was unsure about. I also had an Early Professional Manager- who was super supportive and provided guidance on how to make more out of the overall experience and if there was anything I was uncomfortable talking to my manger about, I could always reach out to my EPM.

I was generally quite busy daily, there was always something to do. There were plenty of opportunities to take up additional tasks, do some giveback or get in some extra learning when during a less busy period. On the other hand, when things got very busy, the rest of the team was always happy to help in getting some of those tasks done.

I was given a lot of responsibilities, managing and updating multiple reports with different teams and also looking after certain processes. There were a few weekly decks and reports that I was owning that were presented to the Senior Leadership Team. It definitely was a lot more than I expected, but overtime it helped improved my confidence and time management skills.

There are quite a few soft skills, e.g. time management, communication & team work, which will be useful back in my degree, especially for my dissertation. I have also further improved my excel skills that I would utilise in the computing module and even in possible future job roles. On top of which I have built on my business acumen, commercial awareness and knowledge base both in my role as a Business Analyst and outside through different events/ webinars and online resources including Your Learning. All of which are generally useful to have.

There is a flexible working approach where there is the option to work from home for a few days or full time which means Fridays are usually very quite. However, despite that the atmosphere is engaging and as there is an open floor plan- it is very easy to walk up to someone with more experience in the firm and have a chat. There is also a cafeteria on the ground floor that gets packed at lunch- most individuals have their lunch there and it definitely leads to some interesting conversations. Being in London makes it all the more busier and there are times you run into someone from IBM on the underground, plus you can always go out for lunch or walk by the Thames.

The work placement was well organised, there was a set number of tasks that I was handed over in a two week period from the previous intern. There was always something to do and there was a well planned structure to the placement. The journal and checkpoints were also useful and put focus on certain aspects that otherwise could have been overlooked.

There are multiple training opportunities, there was a two day conference in the Belfry to find out more about the Security Business Unit. Aside from which there are plenty of giveback/ learning opportunities- e.g. a Design Thinking Workshop in partnership with RBS at their Gogarburn office that I had the chance to attend. On the other hand, there are multiple online courses/ badged that can be completed.

IBM is a well known Tech firm and this year won TARGETjobs UK Graduate Employer of the year, it definitely is appealing as a future employer. There are multiple types of roles within the firm and there is the opportunity to move around. Also, there is a strong culture of learning and development, with everyone being friendly and supportive, especially when new into the role.

Yes there was, especially as I was working with another group of interns. There were a few intern socials including a Christmas Party on a boat, there were also monthly team socials (amongst the wider team) across different bars close to work. On the other hand, we had team days with our smaller team in which we had a catchup, took part in some team building activities and had lunch/ dinner together.

Being based in London, the cost of living and socialising is much higher than in other areas of the UK. However, it is always worthwhile to live in a bustling city, there is a lot to go out and see and a large area to explore and find out more on.

Being London, there is an active Nightlife, there are some buses that still run through the night, even though the tube stations are closed. There are a few eateries and places that still remain open and the lighting at night is definitely something to look forward to, especially close to work.

Yes- there were many opportunities, both internally- by doing giveback, getting involved in events and learning activities and externally. There is always a lot going on in London and the opportunity to make the most of your time outside of work as well. Especially for those that live closer to work, being close to Central London, next to the London Eye.