This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Far exceeded my expectations in terms of offering a diverse and engaging job scope with unlimited development opportunities for those who proactively seek them.
Working in close-knit account teams consisting of IBMers of varying seniority. Despite being a placement student I was assigned tasks to which I was best placed to tackle, and was very much considered part of the team and feel I have built a very strong professional network.
I was offered outstanding support throughout the entirety of my years placement, a key contributor allowing me to make the very most out of the opportunity and assisting both my personal and professional development.
Varying depending on role (I was able to take on several throughout my year). Many times the extent to which I was busy depended on me actively seeking work to fill any quieter periods - in this sense I was able to always keep myself busy and continue to work on new and exciting projects. Use of initiative is actively encouraged and roles are extremely flexible - I had no problems taking holiday when requested and completed University work around the job.
Often tasked with business critical tasks and problem solving. Eventually progressed to a client facing role on a key account and took on tasks usually in the remit of much more senior roles.
Developed a broad range of skills that can't necessarily be taught at University, but that compliment my studies well. Certainly skills I can utilize in my future career and final year of University in the more immediate future, and skills transferable to a wide range of career choices.
The Company
Experienced both highs and lows in a high pressure environment. This kept things interesting and brought a real sense of team spirit which also made for a good social aspect, particulary with fellow placement students.
Did have some issues accessing IBM systems in the beginning meaning I wasn't fully productive immediately and would have benefited from a longer handover. However, this has presented opportunities to suggest improvements to the company for future intakes.
IBM invested significantly in me, not only in trusting me to represent a reputable company in front of its key clients, but also funding my travel whilst working away on client account, providing me with my own Amex as part of this and also investing time is supporting me and assisting my development through one-to-one meetings and mentoring sessions.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Financial Bonus
Working from home
Certainly my first choice for a Graduate role, with a widely respected graduate scheme in the industry. Exciting job roles available and a chance to utilize the network I have built over this past year.
The Culture
There was, although I was often working away from my base location. Many of the fellow students lived together which made for a good social scene. On client account staying away I often went out with members of the team and took this opportunity to not only learn more about the account but also continue to expand my professional network.
Hard to say as I lived at home (living fairly locally to my base location) and in fact was funded by IBM to work away on client projects for the majority of my time.
Based at the Warwick site so nights out usually consisted of heading to the bars and clubs in Leamington Spa. Limited in choice but always a good night with good company.
Again difficult to answer being away so much, but yes there was an IBM club which both advertised and part subsidized regular events such as Casino nights and a day at the races.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Information Technology, Computer Science
East Midlands
May 2014