Project support and software development. Review

Thoroughly enjoyable as I mixed with the existing IBMer's as well as other placement students/graduates. Work was challenging enough.

The team I was in consisted of 8 of us. I was always treated with the same respect as a permanent employee despite only being a placement student.

My team leader actively supported my development by providing me with tasks where I could learn a lot. She also allowed me to shadow other IBMer's to learn more about the different roles available within the company.

This fluctuates but I was prepared to stay in a bit later than usual if something had to be done by the end of the day. I had time to concentrate on my personal development goals as well as doing my day-to-day job.

I felt I had a high degree of responsibility on the projects I was on. Others valued my opinion and it was down to me to get things done as this depended on the deadline.

I have developed a wide range of skills during this year. The most important skill I learnt was how to talk to people. Although this may sound simple and basic, it is a really important skill to have in the workplace and it affects all working relationships which could in turn bring about other opportunities.

This depends on how open you are. The more active and talkative one is, the better the atmosphere.

Overall, the placement was very well set up. Despite my two month wait for security clearance at the start of the placement, everything else has been good. Foundation, the internal body that looks after new hires of apprentices, placement students and graduates, do a very good job of managing.

I was prepared to get out and learn more about the company and develop my personal skill set. Foundation provides a professional development manager to each new hire and the only thing holding you back in terms of training is your motivation to do it. The more you ask, the more you will get out of the year.

The graduate scheme seems very well organised and appealing. There is opportunity to apply to whichever role interests you the most and chance to move around within the company, which is not always available elsewhere.

There was a good mix of apprentices, placement students and graduates which is refreshing. Despite the age gap, we all got along very well. We socialised outside of work so we became good friends as opposed to just work friends.

Little nightlife in Farnborough.

Foundation provide many lunch and learn activities and special events if anyone in IBM wants to learn more about a particular subject. There are charity events, lunchtime pub meals and others.