Operational Assistant Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my whole year with IBM.

I was instantly thrust into an established team and felt at home very quickly. The early development of my role was to take various responsibilities away from members; this not only helped them out but it kept me busy while I was still getting used to IBM and the 'real world'.

My boss was exceptional throughout my whole placement, we were in contact prior to me starting my role and we will remain in contact after. He took a genuine interest into not only the development of my role for the year but also my later career and personal development.

I had sufficient daily tasks so I'd always be busy enough, alongside a large part of my role being 'ad-hoc'. My boss was keen for me to be flexible in the hours I worked so I would always be able to manage my workload through the week

Towards the end of my placement my role changed slightly and I was responsible for assigning IT Architect resource in a pre-sales environment. I was subsequently responsible for managing the workload of a team of Architects which had to be carefully balanced in the pressurised sales environment.

I feel that I've learnt a huge amount this year both on a personal and professional level. I've developed my inter-personal skills with a range of different people often with the challenge of having very little face to face contact. I've also developed my abilities in handling a busy workload which I will (hopefully) take back with me to Uni!!

IBM manage to create the perfect balance of creating a professional environment while giving you the freedom to have fun where appropriate. Corri door cricket around Christmas time was a highlight!

IBM's placement scheme is very well established with close to 300 placement students throughout the UK.

There were many fantastic opportunities available to placement students throughout the year but often getting travel expenses covered would be a stumbling block.

IBM has a well established graduate scheme and every placement student has the opportunity to apply back before they open applications externally.

I had an absolutely incredible year on a social level with the 20 other placement students who were based in Warwick with me!

Warwick and Leamington Spa don't command London prices but it's a nice area and subsequently rent and living costs aren't cheap.

The nightlife wasn't extensive but what there was, I found hilarious. I never had a bad night, that's probably more of a reflection on who I was with rather than the place though!

Depending on your interests there's a fair amount going on around Warwick and Leamington. For students though you perhaps need to go further afield to find things to do.