Business Analyst Review

My role involved market research, working with global companies, transforming service lines and running workshops for clients. I would often work closely with senior employees to help deliver projects, bids and achieve client success. As well as this, I also engaged with a number of communities, including Wellbeing and D&I, where I ran events to support various causes, as well as starting my own initiative seeking to support Early Professionals with career development.

I have greatly improved my technical skills, particularly with understanding AI and its capabilities. IBM offers a number of online modules that can help advance technical skills, including SAP and AWS. I have also improved my professional "softer" skills, including speaking in public, presenting, time management and organisation, which have all greatly contributed to my continued success throughout the year.

As my placement year continued, I was given more responsibility, however, my team very quickly offered me several high-importance opportunities including working on a bid and supporting a client workshop. After six months, I was given the opportunity to work on a client project, handling project management as well as finance analytics. I also sought to learn more, so after discussing with my manager, I was able to shadow on TOM work.

I received lots of support during my placement. I was aware of where I could find help and guidance, and foundation (line) managers were often sure to remind the cohort of how they could discuss any issues. My team were also extremely kind in spending time and being patient as I came to grips with new tasks, offering a hand whenever I needed.

IBM has created an extremely inclusive and welcoming environment, encouraging and promoting those with diverse abilities and backgrounds as well as. looking after those with Wellbeing struggles. They do this through a number of communities that are open to join and engage in.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at IBM. I was fortunate to be working with a team of other interns who supported me and became close friends very quickly. There were days that were hard and I did struggle sometimes with workload or with complexity of tasks, however, I was able to work through these with help that was always offered, either by senior employees or other interns.

Yes

Seek out opportunities, don't expect them to always come to you. Be inquisitive and ask to get involved, people will give you time if you show interest. Don't be disheartened by a bad day/week - it happens, but there is always help and people understand that you are an intern and this is a new environment so will lend a hand.