Business Placement Review

I have really enjoyed my time here. I study Business Studies at University, and came into a role where I have barely used the methods I was learning day to day last year. I have learnt a lot about myself as IBM gives you the chance to explore more around your role. This has allowed me to join in extra activities and discover new interests in technology which I never knew I had because of the degree I was studying.

This has been a bit of an up and down one because to start with it was hard to feel valued when I wasn't sure of my capabilities. When the team realised my capabilities, I started to become more valued and it seems like we have bonded together. I have received gifts of appreciation for hard work and this demonstrates the value interns bring to IBM. In a way, you are more than intern to them.

This is a tough one for me because my hiring manager retired in December which meant my day to day manager wasn't around. This makes it hard for me to get support and guidance. However, at IBM you get a dedicated EPM, external from the team, and they help and support from with you and this is vital when you have a lot of changes in your normal role. Your EPM is a good point of call for all things as they have a lot of experience at IBM.

It comes in waves for me - due to the nature of the role. A lot of interns have set routine each day where as in this role it can vary often. This is where it is important to stay close to your colleagues and build up a network of people who will involve you in activities so you can be busy and reach full potential. When it is not so busy, you need self-motivation so you can do YourLearning - this gives you tangible results and helps broaden your expertise.

A lot of responsibility for an 'intern'. I got given ownership of a Task ID and every query that comes with that. I was responsible for looking after rooms for engagements. You can also decide if you want to take on more responsibility with opportunities that arise. A little bit less responsibility when it comes to clients but this may be due to my inexperience and patchy technical knowledge. Overall, for an 'intern' you have all the responsibility you need to grow and expand your soft skills and to gain experience for the future.

I have developed a lot of soft skills including how to work in a team with other professionals, problem solving, time management but also just developed my confidence. These are all skills which will help me for my degree. I also learnt a lot of technical skills in my time here which may not be as much of use to me for my Business Studies degree. This isn't to say they aren't valuable as these can be utilised if I come back to IBM as a grad, which I hope to do.

The office is very quiet due to being in a small team and people being out of the office for client meetings. You can sometimes be very lonely. This is why I found it very vital to find other interns to hang around with so you can socialise and network. Hursley has great facilities to hang out with other interns and the hub is the place to be. Without the hub, the office wouldn't be appealing at all.

Very well organised. You have a journal which keeps you reflecting on the year and your EPM will schedule regularly meetings with you. You also have formal reviews where you have to presentation so this adds to the organisation.

They invested a lot in me as I was able to go to many client events and meetings as well as education workshops. These could be about anything your interested in so take advantage of this. One thing that I missed was a trip to Austria for educational purposes which the whole team went to. This made the week when I went away very lonely and I was disappointed to miss the opportunity - however it is understandable.

Very. I have already applied to return as a Graduate when I finish my Degree next summer and am already in the process of having interviews so I have my fingers crossed! They pay well and give you good opportunities to develop. To be quite honest, I can't see myself fitting in anywhere else as well as I have at IBM. I have a sense of belonging and making impact and I really want to continue this.

Yes, there a quite a few interns based at Hursley so the social scene is very good if you want to join in. You have the highlight of a Christmas Boat Party with all the other interns as well.

I commuted every day which was a 50-mile round trip. This is relatively expensive but cheaper than living in Winchester as it is expensive there.

Very average. Lots of pubs but pretty pricey.

Due to covid, a lot of activities got cancelled or moved. It made it harder to get involved in things but there were some opportunities out there still for things beyond your work that could help the wider community, you just have to actively look for them.