IBM Services for Managed Applications - Sales Support Review

I had a great year where I learned a lot both about myself, the business world in general, the IT industry and IBM as a company. Only fault I can say is that it went too quick.

I was not treated like a placement student during my year at IBM. I had lot's of amazing opportunities to show my worth, whilst this brought with it pressure at times, it also brought the chance to demonstrate my abilities. From what I've seen, IBM has a type, and that type (in many more cases than not), is kind, intelligent and open-minded.

I had an excellent manager who offered me the right level of support. To an extent I was left to my own devices with the completion of tasks - but this was very much a positive. If I wanted it/ when I needed it, the support was always there. IBM also has an excellent overarching support function for young professionals called Foundation. This is a sort of centralized network, under which foundation students sit. Each placement student also has an EPM (early professionals manager), who is there to support you from an objective viewpoint, outside of your day to day role. These can also support with areas such as career progression, returning to uni and improving soft skills.

I was very busy throughout my whole placement, but I am very proactive in seeking work and am at times prone to take too much on - this is perhaps then more of a reflection on me. What should be taken from this though is that if you are keen and proactive - there is no shortage of interesting and cutting edge work available to you at IBM, whether you are from a technical background or not.

At the start there is a sort of transitionary period where you learn how IBM works, the background to your business area, lot's of TLA's (three letter acronyms), etc. Once you become proficient in performing your basic tasks and can navigate the (at times confusing) world of IBM, the world is your oyster. From a none-IT background, I began working in a Sales team. Responsibilities I've had include working and supporting various multi-million pound deals, running a tele-marketing campaign, leading an event held on the top floor of a well-known building in London for C-level executives, I became the leader of a community based around Project Management, I am leading an internal Hackathon based on the water industry and I am going to Wimbledon to represent the company. All of this (and more) in the space of 11 months. If you are proactive, the potential and opportunities are only limited by yourself.

I will return to university with a much stronger appreciation of my degree. I loved working at IBM and learning about the IT industry, but I'm looking forward to returning to study some abstract and high level thoughts, ideas, and concepts (an insight into my degree here). I will no doubt get a much better grade at the end of final year after doing the placement, both down to the appreciation mentioned above, and also as I've very much got used to the working week (and am looking forward to making the most of the year I have left in education!).

I worked in a quiet office in Warwick which is near where I live. As always in IBM, everyone was very friendly and approachable. However, if you want an active social side to your work then I would suggest opting for London where there are lot's of other early professionals based.

Overall, the scheme is very well thought through and managed and there is a centralized body (Foundation), which oversees the whole thing. In terms of your actual job, this is very dependent on your task manager as the roles which are available are so varied. I came into a new team which did not have a placement student before so my role developed as I did. For me, this worked brilliantly and suited my style of work, but this may not have suited some. What is good to know though is that if this is the case and you are struggling, there is always someone you can go to who will help!

There was lot's of chance for training and development throughout my time at IBM, through various enablement sessions, company-wide initiatives, in-person training sessions, guides and videos set up by communities, IBM 'badges', etc. IBM invests massively in it's early professionals, interns, grads and apprentices. The schemes and training IBM runs are industry renowned and will stand you in great stead post-placement.

There are a wide variety of graduate roles available in various areas of the business and the placement scheme put's you in prime position to land one! Network, be proactive, do your job well consistently and get yourself known and you are likely to secure a post-placement graduate position (from what I've seen and heard).

I worked in IBM Warwick which was very quiet (only 4 interns) and I also drove to work so there was limited opportunities to socialise outside of work. However, everyone in the office was very friendly and we regularly went out for lunch on a Friday and utilised the IBM club.

The IBM club gives the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to events outside of work on a regular basis, and you can even set these events up and get a free ticket for yourself. The London office has a very active social side and people went out after work every Thursday.