Foundation Infrastructure Technician Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year and have enjoyed almost everything I have done!

I have really felt a part of the team and everyone is so friendly and helpful. I have very good relationships with everyone in my office.

Throughout my entire placement, I have had constant support and guidance whenever I needed it. Everyone is always willing to help you if you need it. It is a very friendly atmosphere and everyone is very approachable.

To start with I was naturally eased into my workload, to give me time to learn everything. So the first 2-3 months were all about learning and perfecting what I was required to do. My busiest time was around 4th Quarter and I had a lot of work to do, which required a few early starts/late finishes. This is expected around this time of the business year though, as 4th Quarter is always the busiest time. I have also picked up a few projects during my time with IBM so there are always opportunities and chances to get involved. It all depends on what you make of it.

For a placement student I was given a lot more responsibility than I first anticipated, which is a good thing. I am currently involved in a project, where my manager said it was my decision on what system we decide to use. It is also my responsibility to ensure that all requests are dealt with and completed on time. I was given a lot of responsibility as a placement student and was treated as one of the team. The only reason I didn't give this full "stars" was because I wasn't "running the show!" as the description states.

I have developed and gained so many new skills that are all going to help me in my final year of University and in the future when it comes to looking for a job. The training was fantastic and the technical skills I have developed in the past year will prove invaluable for my career in IT. The amount I have learnt in this 1 year with IBM, far surpasses what I have learnt so far at University, in terms of transferable skills. This placement with IBM has also helped me think of an idea from my final year project.

The atmosphere in the office was very positive and everyone is extremely friendly towards each other. I was welcomed with open arms and every has helped me along the way to build on my skills and knowledge.

The placement was very well organised and there has been a clear structure for what is expected from me. Also, I have been able to branch out into other projects and get stuck in to other areas. There were also regular intern meetings and get together's for everyone to network and mingle.

Everyone in my office invested time into helping develop me and help build my skills. They gave me opportunities to get involved in projects and also help them out personally with technical problems. I couldn't of asked for anymore from them. The whole year has been fantastic and I have learnt so much.

After spending a year working for IBM and having the opportunities I have had to get involved in various different projects with different IBM Hardware and Software, future prospects with IBM are very appealing. I would very much like to work for this company.

There are lots of Placement Students within IBM, so the social scene is very good. Everyone was very friendly and we had regular get togethers and social events.

Not cheap, but not overly expensive. I lived in Eastleigh which seemed to be good in terms of location and costs. The commute to and from work was only 8mins maximum, each way, so that also was a money saver.

Nightlife in Eastleigh is mainly bars and restaurants. However, in Winchester and Southampton the nightlife is far better and isn't that far away. All in all, it is a good experience.

There were always events on so you wont get bored in the evenings. During my placement there were frequent nights out into town, bowling, cinema, drinking, casino etc.