Marketing Review

I really enjoyed my placement at IBM in marketing. There was plenty of opportunities to get involved in many exciting projects, work with different large agencies. I had the chance to take on responsibility so there was never a dull moment. Would highly recommend a placement at IBM.

All teams within the marketing department are lovely. My circumstances was slightly different due to multiple changes of task manager throughout my year, making it a bit challenging to really get to know my team well, particularly my task managers. Despite this, my colleagues were grateful for my help, gave me plenty of direction when needed and provided me with great and useful feedback on tasks/projects I had supported them with.

At IBM you get an EPM (early professional manager) and a task manager, so there's a lot of support throughout the year. You have a 3 month, 6 month, optional 9 month, and a 12 month review - each for which you have to set goals with your manager. This is really good for helping you get the most out of your year and checking you're receiving the support and guidance you need/want.

There were a few moments throughout my year where it wasn't hugely busy, however that was a perfect time to complete some online learning and earn IBM accredited learning badges. This allowed me to gain more knowledge of the business which then supported me in my role. Despite this, the majority of the time I was busy. I would recommend getting involved in lots of projects and giveback to ensure you're busy.

In my role I had a good amount of responsibility, taking on lead roles in several projects. However, I was always guided, given plenty of direction and help, and I asked plenty of questions to make sure I was doing the right things. I wouldn't say I was given a huge amount of responsibility, as just being an intern I was constantly learning.

I would like to go into marketing in my future, so my placement helped me massively learn more about this area. Putting what you learn at university into practice in a real-life working environment is so important to gain the confidence - therefore, I would highly recommend completing a placement.

There are so many other interns around you so there's lots of opportunity to make friends and go out socially with them. The atmosphere is enjoyable but professional, which is ideal.

Despite having my task manager change a few times unexpectedly through my placement, it was well organised overall. I felt there was real structure and that I was completing real work and not just doing 'intern' tasks at all. I would highly recommend a placement at IBM.

IBM expect all employees to complete 40 hours of IBM accredited learning each year. This meant that there was plenty of opportunity to learn more about IBM, it's services and different areas of the business. I was also able to visit marketing agencies we work closely with, meaning I could learn more about how agencies operate.

IBM also has a great graduate scheme, which majority of interns apply back for, including myself. There didn't seem to be marketing roles on the graduate scheme, however I have still applied back, as at IBM there is opportunity to move around the business to work out what you'd like to do for a long-term career.

At IBM each year there's over 100 interns, most based at the Southbank office where my placement was. Within marketing there were many interns which over the year I have become close with. We have an intern christmas party which is organised by interns, which is great fun.

Being based in Southbank, everything in central London is quite expensive. However, as you're being paid, it's not so bad.

Nightlife in London is great. The Understudy is directly next to the office which is such a fun place to meet after work for a drink in the summer as you can sit outside in the sun next to the river Thames.

As interns this year we decided to create a netball team, which was great fun. I think if you want to do something like this, you have to take responsibility for it and start it yourselves.