ITS Europe Volume and Mid Market Business Operations Review

I was given such a huge amount of responsibility and was given the opportunity to speak with and meet people from all over the world at senior levels. My communication skills improved because of this. I was able to work from home on particular days which gave me a lot of flexibility. This has drastically improved my self motivation for my final year at university. I was able to get involved in many roles outside of my daily job role which was invaluable for networking and skill development in other areas such as public speaking. I built a really good relationship with my managers and the team I work with which also made it very enjoyable.

They were all very appreciative of the work I was carrying out and realised the extent to which it was valuable and of great use to them. I responded to every one as quickly as possible to build and maintain that relationship which also helped me in any support I needed from them in the future.

I was given 2 managers at IBM. My task manager and my development manager both of which helped me hugely. My task manager was an incredible mentor who has even extended into helping me with my dissertation work focused on IBM. I got on really well with both managers. My development manager helped me so much in my progression within the company supporting me with my graduate CV, helping me get involved in activities and networking with managers in other areas and generally giving me feedback on areas of success/improvement.

It varied depending on what time ofthe year it was. I worked mainly with people all around Europe, so in August, it was very quiet as it was summer vacation time for them. End of the quarter was manic but good manic. I felt like I was alleviating the workload from some team members and supporting very valuable areas such as presentations for use by the global team. There was never nothing to do. On the quieter days, I always ensured I was on top of my work at which point if I did have any spare time, I could work on university work.

As discussed earlier, a huge amount of responsibility. It really is unexpected how much you get. I was pleased as I had the impression that I would be 'just a placement student' so I would be given mediocre jobs but this definitely was not the case.

Communication, public speaking, team leading, team building, innovation and creativity, self motivation. I used to get so nervous before public speaking whereas it is no worry to me at all now.

At times it was quiet as I was in one of the smaller locations however I personally didn't mind this at all. I expect some people may find it a bit quiet but i was there to work. I built a good relationship with a few people in the building however many people work from home so it was irregular. There were Christmas parties & the team I was with went for lunches on people's birthdays etc which was nice. It was a good atmosphere overall.

I would give 10/10 but there was a small delay in letting me know induction details. I think this was mainly because I was so late in being accepted so may have just been that. The HR and placement team during the year were very helpful.

With regard to paid training, I didn't do any of this, however I believe giving me the opportunity to re-design events and create improvement areas to help with future graduates has given me informal training and it was nice to be trusted by managers and for them to give me time to develop and learn. My task manager also invited me to meetings with the global team which were invaluable to my experience.

I have to re-apply but they don't give job certainty after you finish so as not to be biased to external applicants. Placement students are ranked and if you are a top performer, you are able to progress further into the interview stages so it pays off! I have re-applied. I am hoping to go travelling after uni and they have considered this and I am able to defer my application to a different year which I think is really useful.

I was the only placement student in the office however I didn't mind this at all. I know this wouldn't be others idea of fun but I didnt mind in the slightest. I became friends with other employees. Christmas parties and birthday lunches were still so much fun.

I lived at home during the year so rent was cheaper, and I was still paying for food etc. Bristol area is average priced for socialising, you can find cheaper and more expensive areas.

Being from Bristol I can say the nightlife is good.

There was always lots of running clubs, charity work etc to get involved in which were made available through emails and the office notice board.