HR Business Development Intern Review

Supporting transition managers and facilitating the TUPE transfer of employees in or out of the company. Tasks include pulling data, attending prep calls, attending consultation and taking meeting minutes, assisting employees with onboarding documentation, performing right to work checks, and answering any queries surrounding the transfer or TUPE terms.

Learned many skills in my role including knowledge of TUPE transfers, professional skills such as minute taking, teamwork, communication and professional behaviour in front of clients. Data sensitivity when handing employee personal data. Other skills outside of the role such as leadership, technical skills such as data science and programming. Time management has been developed as well as prioritisation and organisation.

Given a decent amount of responsibility, often handling lots of sensitive employee data under strict time pressures, communicating with business unit leaders etc. Outsid eof my role there was opportunity for leadership roles.

There is good support in place with the likes of Foundation Managers who look after you from a more pastoral point of view. However, I found that most of my support and guidance came from my Task Manager as I felt like Foundation Managers were too busy and overstretched to create a real connection, whereas my TM knew me very well.

Company culture within my direct team is very open, friendly and honest. Within the wider organisation it can feel a little performative - eg they say all the right things but do they really follow it up with action. Feel like this could be the case in many large, American organisations. I feel like there was little done over lockdown compared to other companies who sent goodybags or Christmas presents or organised online events

I did really enjoy my placement year and enjoyed the opportunities to take on additional projects outside of my role and team. I would come back to IBM but I can't see myself there forever. I appreciate all that I have learnt and think my wonderful team was a big part of that!

Yes

I would give clear guidance about the application process and assessment centre as there is not a lot of info about this online. I would give the advice to get involved with things outside your role as this gives you a good opportunity to meet other people. I would also say not to compare yourself to other interns as it can feel very overwhelming when other people seem to be doing everything.