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
My actual day-to-day role wasn't that great, however other aspects of the job did make it an enjoyable year.
I worked in a virtual team with little face-to-face contact, and did at times feel undervalued by colleagues.
Again, as part of a virtual team I did sometimes feel distanced from management.
Some days I was run off my feet, other days I had nothing to do.
I was responsible for putting together large quotes for tenders to huge multinationals.
I developed my IT and communications skills, however many of the other skills I learnt aren't that transferrable.
The Company
I worked in an open plan, hot desk type office, with different people coming and going every day, so there was little office banter. However we did have a good laugh amongst the other placement students.
Initially it was good, however I did feel that once my predecessor left, I was out on my own a bit.
I could take online courses, but these were not compulsory. After the first month or so I had little additional training and was expected to keep myself up-to-date with technical developments.
Flexi Time
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
I did not apply for the Graduate scheme, however students who have completed an IBM placement are fast-tracked through.
The Culture
There were around 20 students at IBM Warwick, so we did have a good time socially.
Warwick/Leamington Spa is fairly expensive but there is a good range of student-type houses available, and loads of things to do locally.
Warwick is pretty quiet, however Leamington Spa is a great night out.
I played football once a week amongst colleagues; there is also a Sunday team, and other IBM activities to get involved in, such as organising events.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Information Technology
International
August 2007