Intern Consultant Review

I supported the 'Hybrid Cloud Services' Growth Platform in an operational and strategic sense. This includes developing material for and hosting important internal calls with senior stakeholder. I also monitored our pipeline, analysed demand and tracked our utilisation numbers. On top of this I ran events such as the HCS All Hands and contirubuted to our communications and people strategy. I also acted as an EA to a very senior IBM'er. Finally, I got involved on a project team which allowed me a view of what it is like to work with clients and manage stakeholder relations.

I've learn many skills during my placement year. Some have more to show than others such as the massive improvement to my excel and powerpoint skills. I can now use premier pro to edit videos, just as one example of the new programmes I can now use. I also improved my interpersonal and professional skills massively. Such as my networking, prioritising, productivity, resilience, presenting, teamwork, leadership, communication, collaboration skills. Finally, you get access to 'Your Learning' which is the best learning platform I've ever used as it gives you access to an array of different courses and you can learn anything you want to!

I enjoy at IBM how they give you the freedom to make your internship what you are looking for. Part of this involves giving you the responsibility of a full time employee at times and letting a placement student act as a graduate or even at higher band levels. I do wish I was not given some mundane tasks but as I was in an operations role working with some very senior stakeholders this is to be expected.

IBM is very good at supporting and guiding a placement student. Your foundation manager offers a constant point of contact if you need help and your task manager provides the same. With the responsibility given to you it can be tough at times so sometimes more support is potentially needed but that may just be me as my boss was loacated in a different office so I could just pop over and ask for help

The culture and atmosphere at IBM is amazing. It is very supportive and allows you to network, build your skills and throw yourself at whatever you would like during your placement year. Everyone has a door is always open stance which means you can organise a meeting with or a chat with some very senior levels or just graduates who can offer a bit of advice. Everyone is very friendly and social and IBM encourage this with organised socials (in and out the office), many learning events and even bakesales!

I have absolutely loved my placement year and I am looking forward to hearing back about whether or not I get a graduate role back at IBM. The culture is brilliant and so social, perfect for an extrovert like me. I really enjoy the idea of consulting and working with clients so IBM seems like the best learning ground for me. I couldn't reccomend IBM more for a placement year and I think it is the best place for young proffessionals to learn new skills and start your career.

Yes

When applying I would focus very much on the company culture and the atmosphere at IBM as that is what they pride themselves on. I would also focus on where you want to be and see yourself in 5 years, whether that is consulting or tech and focus your application to cater for this. Because if you want to be in consulting for example the tech is important but not the be all and end all. Additionally, its worth noting and making clear you understand in your application that IBM do more then tech sales as some people get hung up on this and this opinion is definitely something that IBM are trying to change.