This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The work I completed was both eye opening and enjoyable, the work life balance that came from this role as well was amazing. I'm not saying IBM is laid back and relax but it works on the facts that if you get your work done and make sure you are being the best you possible then you don't have to stress, it created a very stress free and enjoyable environment to be in.
When working on a placement I thought I knew where I would stand as I am an intern, IBM didn't work like this though as they valued each member of the team equally. Obviously as there always will be, there were situations that went straight over my head but these situations were helped out by people always willing to teach.
The support provided was unparalleled, the network of help available was second to none and I knew someone was always there if I needed it. An example of this could be left with our EPM's, mine in particular was always there for a chat or a little guidance, I always knew where to go.
Some days were quieter than others but overall there was always something to do. A lot of the time I was asked to hop on projects or just to do some bits for some people within my sector to help out along side my daily tasks, this kept me quite busy which I preferred. I always knew there was something I could do.
For a good portion of my time at IBM I have worked solo, this have meant that I was completing all the work I have been given myself and then sending it off to where it needed to be, this I would say is a fair bit of responsibility as I was relying on myself to do it right.
I have learnt and mastered a lot of tools whilst at IBM that I just wouldn't have elsewhere based on my degree, I have learnt how to do the basics of coding, I have learnt how to use IBM based tools and master then and I have also brushed up on my Microsoft skills.
The Company
It was a really good place to be, the feeling of the office was obviously serious but not one where you felt pressured at all, everyone there was genuinely kind and was always about if you needed help. I can see from an interns perspective that is perfect and always valued.
Very well organised, the people running the foundation scheme couldn't have been more prepared if they tried, we had a well established network and this is something that is incredibly valuable when you are starting in a new role that it very important. They made sure we always had everything we needed and more.
IBM gives you everything you need to achieve what you want out of the year, they give training opportunities, teaching opportunities and so much more. They well equipped you so you won't have to worry about anything at all, this showed as you could tell how much went into their intern scheme.
Sports and Social Club
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
IBM is somewhere you can always better yourself. That is what I find most appealing about a career within the organisation, there is always a chance to grow if you want it. Applying back for interns is a scheme that also gives me to chance to come back should I chose to.
The Culture
Most interns were inducted into IBM in large groups which allowed us to meet each other early on, we also all made sure we were very social throughout our year by organising events and nights out etc. There was always a chance to be social at work as well as hot desking would help that.
Working in central London is very expensive as if you want to go out after work the local pubs, bars etc are all quite pricey, but if you know London you will know where to go, luckily I already lived here so I knew where was best, which was always a help. Also another point to follow is that you can live outside of central and save some money and commute in, its not that hard.
(copied first section from above) Working in central London is very expensive as if you want to go out after work the local pubs, bars etc are all quite pricey, but if you know London you will know where to go, luckily I already lived here so I knew where was best, which was always a help.
Within the interns we were all very social, there were many IBM run opportunities these ranged from sports teams to give back opportunities that we could all get involved in. Some of these ranged from helping out by talking in local schools or giving back by helping with people who haven't had the right opportunities in life.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
London
May 2020