Defence and Intelligence Review

by IBM

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.5/5
  • The Role
    2.9
  • The Company
    3.4
  • The Culture
    4.4

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • The first 3 months were exciting and very enjoyable, due to the fact I was meeting new people, socials with other placement colleges and getting into the working life. After that I got to choose what I wanted to do within the work place. I had a few options. This motivated me to keep working due to the change of projects and variety of work. However there are times where I did not have any work and found that the day dragged on.

    3/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • My colleagues were always friendly and asking what I was up to. They were also interested in my uni work and about my holidays. They were also positive towards my work and feedback that helped me feel valued within the workplace.

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • I was given a manager that was to high in the hierachy to look after me. I was given a colleague to look after me, however I had to find my own work through networking. I wasn't given much guidance.

    2/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • I had days when I had alot of work and would work from 9-6 quite easily. However there were days where I had nothing on. It varied with what project I was working on and what stage it was at.

    3/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • Over the year I have been given more and more responsinility, now working within a team with a role and alot of responsibility. The first project I was on however was only a small one, as I was still learning.

    3/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • This year has been a huge benefit to me. I have developed a huge amount of skills, mostly personal. I can now network and communicate with colleagues within the workplace confidently and without hesitation. I would also feel confident going into future interviews and jobs. However with regards to my education, I have picked up a few skills but not as much as I would have thought. I think the year will definetly help me and motivate me to work hard in my final year as I feel I am able to work harder and am more organised than I was.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Due to the flexi desk system I was able to sit next to new people everyday and speak to them and ask any questions I had. The atmosphere was friendly and good fun.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • From the start of my placement it was very well done, with a solid induction and two weeks of training. However my manager was to high up in the hierachy and was un able to help me. I therefore had to find my own work through networking.

    3/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • I have been taken on to a couple of projects on client sites and two training courses. They have always been happy to invest their time into me and make sure I get what I wanted from the year.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    National Travel

    Company Parties/Events

    Working from home
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • The prospects for working with IBM in the future are good due to the fact it is a good international company with lots of opportunities.

    3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • The people I have met this year have been amazing. We have formed a good solid group of around 20 that social throughout the week and go out every pay day. IBM did not organise any socials for us however.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • London is very expensive with rent taking up half my salary, as well as travel to work and nights out. I was however able to just about live off it.

    4/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Couldn't get much better than London. Something on every night. Cost however is of course a problem however.

    5/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • I joined the local gym and running club which has been great. We also organised a work rugby match together with another placement team.

    4/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Government

London

April 2008

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