HR Business Development Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year. It has exceeded all of my expectations. I have had so many opportunities to have client experience, travel and take on extra projects that interest me.

I have felt very valued by my colleagues. There is a great intern community within IBM and we are actively encouraged to socialise and get together regularly. In addition, I have been well supported by my team all year as well as everyone I have worked with. Everyone has been friendly and approachable making it that bit easier.

The support has been great at IBM. I have placement reviews at the 3,6,9 and 12 months of my placement and have been actively encouraged to regularly ask for feedback. I have also been asked to keep a placement journal which has allowed me to set goals and proactively work on improving my performance and growing as an individual. My task manager has also been incredibly supportive and patient and has made my experience so much more enjoyable.

My daily tasks were highly deal dependent therefore there were fluctuations on it being busy and being quiet. However, when it was busy, it was still manageable and if it were to have been too overwhelming, I knew that I could speak to someone and get some support. When my day job was quieter, it also allowed me to take on other projects which I thoroughly enjoyed and it also taught me about managing my time effectively.

I feel like I was given a high level of responsibility during my placement and have felt like a real employee rather than an intern. As well as this, I have been able to lead and initiate my own projects which has made me feel a greater level of responsibility.

I feel like my skills/ training has equipt me for my future. I have really noticed the shift in my mindest and approach to work and I hope to take this back to university with me. I have also learnt so many skills that I did not think I would be able to gain e.g. building a website, building a chatbot and this has broadened my skillset beyond my expectations.

I loved the office atmosphere at IBM. Everyone was really friendly and it was a welcoming environment.

I thought the work placement was really well structured with regular reviews of my progress. From application to leaving, I have felt supported at each stage and have been aware of what I need to do and what is expected.

I feel like the company invested a lot of time in making sure I had the training etc. I was even funded to fly to Budapest to attend a training conference which was an amazing experience and allowed me to meet my colleagues from all across Europe.

I think IBM offer a great number of graduate schemes however, as much as I have enjoyed my experience, there is a not a HR scheme currently which is what I would be more interested in. As a result I am not applying back as I don't think there is a role I am suited to.

Yes there is a great social scene and we are actively encouraged to meet regularly. All the interns would have lunch together in the office and there was a good community feel.

The cost of living was very similar to living at University therefore I found it very student friendly.

The nightlife was great for a typical student. It was in a student town so it was comparable to being at University.

Yes, there were lots of opportunities to take part in social events and giveback events e.g. volunteering.