Service Management Analyst Review

I have really enjoyed my placement year. I have met some really lovely people and have developed a lot of new skills. In my role, I was given real responsibility, which was extremely exciting and rewarding. The placement scheme at IBM is really well organised which makes for an enjoyable placement overall.

I felt really valued by my colleagues. In the team I worked with on a day to day basis everyone was really supportive, encouraging and seemed to really value my contribution. I have been actively encouraged to offer my suggestions and improvements to certain processes, and when I have done these have been welcomed and appreciated.

I have been well supported by my manager and supervisors, as well as other employees at IBM.

The majority of my placement I have had enough work to fill my time. There have been short periods of time where I have been quiet, however IBM has a service called YourLearning full of online material to help you develop and learn new skills, therefore when I have had less to do, I have been able to complete some YourLearning. There have also been times where I have had a lot on my plate, and I have worked extra hours to get all of my work completed, however my boss has allowed me to work flexibly, and to make up for the extra hours I have worked, I have been able to finish earlier some days.

I have been given a lot of responsibility. I have managed a team of developers, leading regular meetings with them and managing their workload. I have also been responsible for managing our client relationship, I managed regular calls with the client, and had nearly daily communication with them to ensure they were up to date with our progress.

I have learnt so many new skills, some which will help me in my final year at university, and all of them will be useful in my future. I feel so much more confident going back to university, and I feel so much more prepared for getting a job in the future thanks to this year.

The atmosphere has always been supportive, friendly and fun. Everyone works hard but there is a really nice working atmosphere.

Extremely well organised. There was a formal structure of support. There was an organised induction at the start of the placement to introduce you to the organisation and their way of working. then throughout the placement there were regular meetings with other interns, and all interns have a dedicated line manager and early professionals manager who take an interest in your work and your development. There are three formal reviews throughout the placement where you receive feedback on how you are progressing.

The organisation actively supports you in your personal development. there are opportunities to undertake online learning, and attend regular meetings to increase your understanding of the organisation. In addition there are opportunities to work shadow different departments to broaden your understanding of the organisation and also to help you identify possible future career paths.

Extremely appealing. There is an attractive graduate scheme which I have applied to, and I really hope I am successful.

Yes absolutely.

Very cheap!

The nightlife wasn't great - we went to some pubs that were good, but we weren't too far from Manchester so we travelled there for most of our socialising.

There were lots of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. There were Christmas Parties, a social event every month, and regular get togethers for the interns in our area. We were actively encouraged to socialise together on a regular basis and this has been a really positive part of the placement.