Operations Analyst Review

During my placement at IBM I was challenged and felt valued by my team. The Foundation placement scheme was well organised and provided plenty of opportunity both professionally and socially, helped by being based in their London location. I have really enjoyed my time working here and hope to be accepted into their graduate program.

All work I completed was valued by my team and I received amazing feedback boosting my confidence. IBM use a feedback tool which enabled me to ask specific colleagues for feedback on certain tasks. I found this particularly useful and meant I was able to keep track of work I completed and advice on what went well and how I could improve.

I was in a lucky position to gain insight into most areas of the business. I worked closely alongside senior members of IBM and my team and it was great to build up a close relationship with them. Everyone I met was so supportive and always wanted the best for me and have been a great support network when work was challenging, or in completion of opportunities outside my role.

My role varied and at first I didn't have specific daily or weekly tasks to complete. When I first joined I was told 'This placement will only be what you make of it'... and it is so true. I sought to increase my skillset and became involved in commercial work allowing me to practice skills learnt during my academic studies. I also became involved in giveback.. an IBM initiative used to increase opportunity outside the scope of a day-to-day role.

I was given some responsibility during my placement. I assisted in putting together client presentations and also was able to visit client sites and sit in on meetings. Also, I helped to organise internal events for the team. This gave me a really rounded view on responsibility in the workplace.

As my first full time job, the placement at IBM have equipped me with skills such as: Time Management Analytical Skills Confidence Adaptable Business Acumen etc I have been able to learn the uses of Microsoft excel and also it's practical application in a workplace environment. All skills learnt here will be hugely beneficial once I return to university and during applications for graduate roles.

Working in the centre of London there was always a buzz in the office. There was plenty of fun activities to do on the doorstep with my team or as a group of friends. During the summer months either as interns or as a team, we would have drinks in the nearby pubs/bars.

There are over 100 interns employed by IBM. When I first joined I was surprised at how friendly and welcoming everyone was both from the Foundation Scheme and generally within IBM. This was a great first impression and a big reason as to why I would recommend IBM as an employer.

After completion of the Intern Scheme you are able to apply back into IBM as a graduate, this is a great opportunity to further enhance and develop skills in such a large company. They offer a wide range of roles to suit many career ambitions. I will definitely be reapplying into their program!

Yes.... As a group of Interns we set up a Netball group and played in weekly social league games. these were competitive and gave us the opportunity to bond as a team and make new friends from IBM. Christmas Party organised on a boat which went along the River Thames. Drinks after work at local pubs/bars

London is EXPENSIVE! With a student loan and the salary you can definitely have fun and enjoy everything about London. It is a real opportunity to learn about city living and understand if this is something that you'd like to do in the future once university has finished. There were many social activities to do and also as an intern cohort such as a Christmas Party.

London was full of pubs, clubs, bars and so the nightlife was always buzzing! There were a few young people actually in my team so after any parties or social events we would often go out to a club somewhere in London.. where ever was open! Southbank is so close to many parts of London it wasn't hard to find a club somewhere!