iX Business Consultant Review

I have quite a unique role for an intern, project managing a software development team. I therefore run meetings like an Agile Scrum Master to make sure that the team has everything then need to do what they need. I also work to remove an blockers, manage risks, have some impact on product, collect requirements, manage stakeholders and manage costs in the background. Previously I have also worked to write and delegate tasks to others.

I have developed massively during my placement. I've been able to learn both hard and soft skills through doing which enable me to actively manage a team in an agile way. On top of this, I've also picked up a decent amount of technical knowledge from working in the area with others. There is also lots of access to training and other resources to learn about all areas of the business.

I was given a lot of responsibility for an intern. I am quite situationally lucky for this to be the case, as it would normally be 5-10 years of experience before you can do this normally. Since we are 'free' to projects as an intern you can get involved with almost as much as you want. I think responsibility may be situational, but it shows that they are willing to give you a chance.

There was lots of support available - we have foundation managers who we can approach about anything. I also got partnered up with a 'buddy' who has been incredibly useful as a friend/ mentor. Outside of that, if you want support in terms of further mentorship or career development, you have to be very proactive in finding people. But once you do, everyone is very happy to speak and help where they can.

I believe that IBM has been the best company I could have asked to join as an early professional from a culture aspect. Everyone is so welcoming and happy to help whenever you have questions. You can also see that people enjoy and are passionate about the things which they do, and if they aren't they have the flexibility to change projects. The company is much more people-centric than I thought it would be.

I've definitely enjoyed the opportunity to try a number of new things. The role has sometimes felt repetitive at times. The people have really made the placement, working and enjoying time with such a young staff both as a part of and outside of work, with so many opportunities available. I have found that the bit of bureaucracy has been painful at times, but nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.

Yes

Make sure that you would be someone that both makes the most of, and adds to the environment within the company. When reflecting on the company values, really align yourself so that you can not feel like an outsider, and really try to embody any of those you don't. Be willing to learn