Operations Analyst & Sales Support Review

My placement at IBM was a really great insight into working within industry. Through hard work, I was able to shape my placement into activities that I enjoyed, taking part in additional responsibilities. From the very start there is a strong sense of community within the intern group and this really enhanced the experience.

I always felt valued from my colleagues. The structure within the team is quite flat, to the point that I could talk to my manager about anything. You never feel likke you're 'just an intern' and you get treated with the same respect as any other employee. Everyone is very supportive and tries their best to help you to be successful.

From my very first day I always felt supported. There was a huge network of people available if you needed any guidance, such as your EPM, managers even other interns. My manager was great and we had catch-up calls set up to monitor my progress with actions made to ensure I kept growing and taking opportunities throughout.

My level of business was really variable depending on what was going on at the current time. For example, if a client proposal was due, at times i could be extremely busy however this balanced out with quieter times. Personally I prefer to be busy so in these quiter times I would then find a new project to get involved in but, the team are very understanding of busy times and it usually levels out.

After getting to grips with my core role, I was given increasing responsibility however, this was earnt from the trust of the team. The hard work you put in really does pay off and within the year I have been responsible for client proposals, events and even education for the european sales team.

I definitely believe that the skills I have learnt will aid me in my future. Not only have I developed in skills such as excel, presentation etc. but also personal skills such as confidence and self belief. It has definitely equipped me with the knowledge I need to have a greater direction in my future.

In general the office was an enjoyable place to be and has definitely been missed over the past few months. Having a large number of interns meant we got to sit together which really helped on the social side of the role. Everyone was willing to help one another and was always someone to cheer you up when you were having a stressful day. Across the building there was always a sense of community and willing to give a hand whether that be asking where something was or getting assistance with something.

Although the induction itself was useful to know how to use the computers, I think the process of moving from university to the workplace could be better. There was a lack of communication before we started of the process that would be involved and even walking into the office on the first day, it wasn't made clear what we would be doing.

IBM had a great of resources that every employee has access to and can complete in their own time. This meant no matter what your area of interest you could find education and develop a wider knowledge. Workshops in a variety of subjects occured regualrly too and you were encouraged to attend the events that were offered.

I am hoping for future employment within the organisation. They provide an easy placement to grad scheme application so hopefully I am succesful. Through events such as the careers academy and Q&A's, they really make it a smooother experience to work out where you could be suited to if you wanted to return.

Definitely! With over 100 interns in the Southbank office itself, there was always somene to spend your lunch breaks with or pop over to the Understudy after work with. We all really bonded from the start so for those like me who were new to London, definitely made the transition to living in the city alot better.

As expected from living in central London, it was extremely expensive. Even your weekly shop became alot more expensive. However, I don't think it affected my year as from being a student, I had got used to budgeting. I think it's all about balance between treating yourself and finding free activities which, there are alot available in london.

This one is definitely more to do with if you find things for yourself. I created an intern social netball team which meant we played in a league every week. But with so many people in the same position, there are so many opportunities for activities you can get involved in.