HR Partner Support Intern Review

I support a team of HR Partners by providing HR data analytics from using multiple tools and expressing this data in a clear format so that the HR Partners can then use to make strategic decisions with business leaders. I attend meetings with the HR partners where I have opportunities to learn and provide personal insight where appropriate. I also support with administrative duties when working on different HR projects such as promotions.

I have learnt how to use numerous digital tools, especially expanding my knowledge and skill with Microsoft Excel as I use this on a daily basis. My digital communication skills have also improved, for example when speaking on online meetings and when communicating via email and internal chat tools.

I was given a huge amount of responsibility throughout my placement at IBM. From the beginning of my placement, I was directly involved in live projects with my team. As my experience grew, I have been given increased responsibility to lead on certain tasks and to be considered level with the people I work with - not being considered as the 'intern', but a value to the team.

I was given continuous support from my foundation manager and my task manager throughout my year of working at IBM. This was through getting me comfortably set up for my first day (what to wear, what to bring, where to go etc), to being there for any business or personal queries, to hosting 3 months, 6 months and 12 months reviews to ensure that I am making the most of the experience.

At first the general atmosphere was a bit quiet due to the company offering flexible/at home working after COVID. As my placement year went on, more people started to come into the office which made the culture a lot more social. When I travelled into the London office, the company culture was completely different to my base location in Portsmouth as it was very busy and full of interns - this was a great experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at IBM. My experience at IBM was everything I wanted from a placement year. The numerous social, charitable, business and learning opportunities that the placement scheme offers is fantastic. The employees and managers are always helpful and wanting to support you through the year. The only thing I would change would be to have more interns in my base location of Portsmouth - felt slightly left out compared to London.

Yes

If you are keen to learn, grow and get the most out of a placement year, then IBM is the place for you. The year is what you make it, so take up every opportunity you can.