Sales Operations Review

I really enjoyed my placement at IBM. Working in Southbank in London, there were over 100 other students in my office on a placement and loads of graduates, so it was very sociable. There are loads of opportunities to get involved with other areas of the business and also to do some voluntary work on the side. They are also really flexible with working which meant I could work from home most Fridays.

The whole team gets together only once a quarter as they are spread out nationwide, but it is always enjoyable to meet up. We have an online messenger which means it is easy to keep in contact and also weekly calls to catch up.

Everyone is really keen to help out, always interested in what I want to do after Uni and try to help where they can. There is always someone I can talk to if I get stuck with work.

At the start I was very quiet, I was given tasks but I still had spare time. It wasn't until a few months in when I was trusted with more work. I also had to ask around for work and offer support where I thought necessary - this was partly due to my role being split into two from the previous year.

I was given responsibility in the sense that I was trusted to attend meetings with Business Partners and clients. I also did a lot of 'behind the scenes' work for the Sales leaders. I also got directly involved in campaigns. I probably could have had a more active role in the Sales part if I wanted to, but that's not what I want to do.

I study Physics so nothing was particularly relevant in that sense. The skills I developed in my placement will definitely benefit me in the future when it comes to working and finding a job. I am much more confident when it comes to talking to colleagues and networking. I also now have loads of good experiences to write on my CV.

Friendly, very sociable.

Overall it was really good, especially the support - I had a personal development manager and also a task manager who were always available to help. There could have been more structure and specific tasks for me to do but that also could be because I was in a newly created role.

My personal development manager was keen to put me forward for opportunities and encouraged me to get involved and develop my skills.

There are a lot of options and great opportunities to develop your career, but mainly Sales roles, which I don't want to do.

Over 100 students on placement in my office!

It was expensive going out in London, but I get paid an extra £3,000 to cover costs from being based in London.

Central London! So much choice!

I've been involved in a school charity, one of the Foundation communities, I have given presentations to graduates and also attended client events in the evenings. So many opportunities!