Software Developer at IBM Review

Working for IBM is relaxed and challenging, they work flexy hours and allow you to move your working hours to suit your needs. This allowed a steady introduction to the world of work. Hurlsey is also an amazing place to work as it has plenty of outdoor space to walk around and enjoy whilst taking a break from work

Due to the nature of IBM's business, the learning curve can be quite steep. The first 3-6 months can feel quite daunting but I quickly found a niche in my teams and focus my energy there. Once I showed I was able to answer questions on specific areas I felt like an equal member of the team.

The management structure for undergraduate placement students at Hursley is very supportive, with two managers. One manager looks after you on a daily basis, providing work and stuff like that. The second manager looks after your development throughout the year arranging training where necessary.

The way the team I was working in was set up meant we moved through lots of small pieces of work very quickly which ensured that I was busy and always challenged with new work. Every now and again the work level would drop but there are other activities to take part in when this happens, such as community work.

Once I joined the team and learned the tools I was quickly given work that was important to the software that I was working on. Some of the work was critical for clients and to ensure the product I was working on shipped on time.

IBM provides new undergraduate hires with a huge list of training they can attend, which was useful coming in to such a big company. They also recommend that staff organise their own training with their colleagues to share information and meet new people

The atmosphere was professional but lively, with large open plan areas it was easy to walk around and meet new people and ask questions. Most of the people I approached were friendly and helpful.

The placement was organised very well. Both managers kept in close contact and provided support throughout the year. They also made it clear that I was welcome to ask them any questions that I had by dropping past their office or by email.

The company provided many avenues for training anything from peer lead training sessions to an official Z- Mainframe certification. This allowed you to make the most / least of the training based on what it was

Once I had completed this placement I went on to complete an internship at IBM. I believe that my year there helped me build the confidence to apply for Extreme Blue and be offered a place.

Generally there are around 50-75 undergraduate students working at Hursley every year which means there is a great social scene of young people. It's also good because everyone is in the same boat, having moved to a new area not knowing anyone else. Groups of friends develop quickly if you're out going.

I lived in Winchester which is quite an expensive area to live but really nice. It was worth living there as it was near the pub and bars and also not far from supermarkets. Other people lived in places like Eastleigh.

For me the nightlife was perfect, plenty of pubs and bars however there is only 1 club in Winchester. Southampton isn't too far away and has got a busier nightlife for people looking for clubbing

There are several active sports teams based at Hursley for things like football and cricket