Foundation Business Administrator Review

My role included ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for early professionals into the company, this involved admin and support work, facilitating and hosting. I also had the opportunity to build and present reports to leadership and have an influential role in what I was doing at IBM.

I have learnt a huge range of new skills. Personally, I have hugely developed my transferable skills, from building my confidence to my project management and organisation across the year. Specifically to IBM, I have access to 200+ hours of digital learning and badges in areas of the business as well as key IBM methodologies.

I was given as much responsibility as I was looking for. You will have plenty of opportunities to create and lead projects, communities and more within your placement year. Personally, I was given large amounts of responsibility in a variety of schemes, as this is what I wanted to do.

There is a huge range of support on offer at IBM. You have given two managers, one specifically there to support and assist with you your development across the year. You can get multiple mentors to support you in specific work and join communities where you can work together and support each other, there is always guidance available. This is very clear within the IBM culture.

The culture was amazing. There are a large range of communities where you can get involved in events, competitions, and activities to meet and socialise with new people. There is a range of giveback for charities, schools, and volunteering. As office working returns to the new 'normal' you will find more face-to-face events networking events going ahead.

I really enjoyed my time at IBM. The work I completed taught me valuable skills and highlighted just how important a work placement is. The people and team I was surrounded by were very supportive and I have made some great friends along the way. I would go back as a graduate is given the opportunity, however this is a very competitive area.

Yes

Make sure you do your research on IBM, find out about recent piece of news and what IBM offer. Use online resources to prepare for the assessment centres and any interview tips and advice that you can get to stand out. I would have loved to have known some IBM jargon and common words that IBM use, so its definitely worth reaching out to people on LinkedIn and building your network early.