Interactive Developer/Engineer Review

I absolutely loved my year at IBM! The people and working environment was incredible and I had so much opportunity and encouragement to learn. I had very high expectations for IBM and have to say that they were surpassed by a long way. The whole experience has really changed my outlook on my future, my goals and shaped my mindset upon returning to university.

I worked on a client facing project where I was a core developer. This allowed me to be able to take ownership of various issues as well as give opinions and justifications that were respected by my peers and colleagues. I was able to give feedback to clients and 3rd party agencies who all respected and valued the input i was giving.

My manager and EPM were great at guiding me through my internship year. I was able to talk to them openly about the work I was doing, my goals and aspirations as well as career plans and advancements internally and externally from IBM. My development and technical leads were great at teaching and guiding me through personal and professional issues as well.

I was very busy. However, It was not stressful so it doesn't really feel like I was busy or stressed. Instead it felt fun and enjoyable. I had fortnightly development tasks which needed to be completed in the set 2 weeks but normally would be completed.

I was given a lot of responsibility over the course of my placement year. As mentioned above I was a core developer who was able to produce industry standard code for high profile clients. As well as that I was in charge of my workload and my presence on the team. As well as my own learning and development, but I had the support around me to aid that development.

I learnt multiple programming languages and methodologies, how to work agile and be a professional. Everything I learnt in University has carried over to IBM life as a base of knowledge they have built on. Now I know I will be able to adapt to uni life (especially the 3rd year workload) with ease

IBM gives a great working environment full of support and learning opportunities, especially for internship/placement students. Everyone is so supportive of your learning and development. Specifically, in iX practice, there are unrelenting support links to help you become the best version of yourself both personally and professionally. The offices are always bubbly, colorful and a pleasure to work in. Everyone is friendly and approachable. There are often hot seat working conditions that allow the movement of desks and seating to encourage ADHOC and flexible teamwork and building of new relationships.

Every intern has a specific role which is made extremely clear. There is a focus on your intern development and personal development. Your assigned Task managers and EPMs who overlook and guide you along the journey of your placement and assist with any issues or ambitions/change in job interest you have. There is a high level of organization and understanding of the intern, their needs, and what they need to do/learn for themselves, their role, and their university.

The company promotes the idea of "THINK 40". This encourages employees to do a minimum of 40 hours of learning each year (although you will tend to do at least 80ish). They allow time for learning and training, suggest compulsory training, and even pay for some specific training courses based on the need and your role. Personally I have been using many programming courses as well as design thinking and agile courses needed for my role.

I would love to come back as a future employee! I already feel a part of the IBM Family! This company has welcomed me with open arms, given me needed and valued experience, and given me a great entryway to a graduate role opportunity. The intern to grad scheme is well organized and thought out, and is a focal point throughout the year allowing for constant reflection on your work to set goals toward a new role and next steps.

Between interns, there is a great rapport. Intern parties are frequent as well as project parties and socials. The social aspect both in and out of work is definitely prominent. It includes after-work drinks, meals, parties, days out, events, festivals, and much more. I have made some amazing friends over the course of the year - some interns, others are co-workers. We have already made plans for after my internship to keep in touch and hang out!

With the placement being in London it tends to be quite difficult for people to go on crazy nights out or spend lots of money as even one drink tends to be £6-£10. However, many of the events are funded by IBM. There is also a great market on a Friday relatively close to work where most people go for lunch, it is normally £4-£7 per meal. The housing where I lived was close to £800 in Zone 5.

The nightlife is relatively ok. There is a professional aura around the area with most bars catering for professionals. There are normally many IBMers in the bar (Understudy) across the road from the Southbank offices after work. However, I personally worked at a sister location in Tower Hill. This location was great for after-work drinks and nightlife with a new bar to go to each week! There is a large variety although very expensive.

From hackathons and learning opportunities to volunteering and IBM Festivals, there is so much to get involved with both in a professional sense and a social sense. There is always something to keep you busy of a night and weekend, even though you are extremely tired after a long day. Try to get involved with the LGBTQA+ BRG known as the EAGLES, or the intern based branch the foundation EAGLES, as they have great opportunities for after-work activities.