Project Administrator / Support Review

I've been placed in a portfolio within the public sector, supporting an associate partner with the commercial process and analysis of projects in active delivery. I have gained a vast amount of experience; from managing commercials and financial performance across projects including internal reporting with partners of the account group, to face-to-face client work on a project, and applying my agile learning to client delivery. I was was trusted and responsible for delivering resource profiles, matching rate cards, liaising with project managers, executing the commercial process and educating the wider account team looking to transition to this model in future.

Throughout the year I am confident to say that I have developed my entire skillset by working in industry, however, to highlight some skills I have developed the most, include; client relationships, Microsoft Excel, Organisational and Teamwork Skills. I have gained a fundamental knowledge of using Excel, creating new finance trackers and models on a regular basis, learning basic excel formulas, filtering and sorting data and looking to expand my capabilities further after my placement year. What helped me develop my organisation skills most was organising my daily workload using a Trello board. I'd have daily morning calls with my task manager to provide updates on work completed and prioritise work to be completed. What helped me develop my teamwork skills was working in two teams, one of which was 4 people and the other mixed with a client of around 12 people. I built a reputation of being a great team player by delivering quality work no matter the task and collaborating with others to reach design solutions.

I have been given an abundance of trust and responsibility during my internships. I was solely responsible for the entire commercial process, processing 45+ contracts throughout the year worth millions of dollars, tracking financial and performance details of key projects, and forecasting team resources, based on financial and staffing data. I have been engaged with working with the client daily, as well as being an IBM representative in response to managing commercials weekly and invoices on a monthly basis.

Firstly, you are given a lengthy handover from the previous intern, helping you settle into your role and learn the processes. If you need to ask questions, you have your task manager which oversees your workload to help out on specific tasks and also your foundation manager you are assigned if is regarding further opportunities in your placement year. It is actively encouraged in IBM to ask questions and is a good trait that I would recommend. It is always better to ask questions when you have tried to solve it yourself first rather than getting it wrong and delaying the process further down the line.

The company culture is brilliant, there is always something going on activities and events taking place during and outside of work hours including charity events. Having visited the new London office, there is a real buzz and a hive of activity and a place of real belonging. IBM is a very diverse workplace and prides itself on its diversity and inclusion with many societies in the company. IBM are also very keen on developing their staff, providing a learning platform to learn about almost anything, such as soft skills or emerging technologies.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year, so much so I have secured a graduate position at IBM next year after I graduate. The learning opportunities are brilliant and the trust and responsibility to actually make a difference are what attracted me to come back! I feel like I was constantly supported throughout the year and the amount I have developed is remarkable when I look back at my year. I can't wait to explore more areas of the business in a different role as a graduate.

Yes

The application for IBM internships can be a lengthy 4/5 step process, however, is 100% worth it. Be prepared for each stage and when it comes to group tasks, don't be silent but also don't be overpowering. It is a fine balance but showing you are a leader but also being collaborative and taking all views into consideration would be my recommendation. Be sure to research some of IBM's core values on their website and compare how your experience and values link to them.