RFS Manager Review

The Gap Year Scheme at IBM wasn't just an opportunity to develop crucial skills it was also a very enjoyable experience and a chance to meet lots of very interesting people.

My personal experience was that I was a highly valued member of my team and IBM have many reward schemes in place that enable you to receive recognition for working hard

At IBM each person on a placement has a personal development manager (PDM). You meet with your PDM at intervals during the scheme and they are also there throughout the year whenever you may need them - great support network!

There were occassions where I would be too busy to manage my work load, however working in a close team meant that I was able to delegate work. There were also very quiet periods but there a number of things to do outside your day to day role that meant that I was never bored.

I was surprised by just how important my role on the scheme was. You are a valued crucial member of the team and your contribution truly makes a difference

I found the skills I learned during my time at IBM so valuable that I have opted not to go to university and to remain at IBM as an apprentice.

I personally often worked alone. My team were not just based all over the country but all over Europe. I would have liked to have had a team to sit with and interact with on a day to day basis.

Foundation within IBM is a body set up solely to provide placements for school leavers/graduates/uni students and that results in a great scheme that I couldn't fault

As stated earlier I was very much left to my own devises as I didn't have a team I interacted with that often. However, there are many education and training options open to anyone within the company.

I have now got a place to remain at IBM as an apprentice.

We all attended an induction week together and as we were all in the same boat it was a great opportunity to meet and support each other for the remainder of the year

I personally worked in central London which naturally is very costly. There are however many different IBM locations up and down the country you may be placed in.

Central London - doesn't need a comment!

Fellow students on the scheme were always organising things outside of work hours. There were also things organised within the wider IBM such as a boat party down the river Thames.