IGF Systems/Business Transformation IT Review

Enjoyable job with a lot of new challenges. There was no 'official' training for the job, just the standard student introduction to IBM. However learning took place and along with it came increased responsibility

Within my team we worked closely providing support for the rest of the department, some 200 people and were on first name terms with most of them. As the first Industrial Trainee the team had doubts over my abilities but were happy to be proved wrong!

My manager gave support and guidance, but was mainly focused on a major project going on, however within our small team we were pretty self-sufficient

Business depended on how much was going wrong! Some days could be very quiet, on others I'd have up to 20 machines on or around my desk needing attention

As time progressed responsibility increased, I became responsible for managing our department's relations with other IBM areas, and for the deployment/ordering of new equipment for IGF

It's probably fair to say that the final year of uni dragged a bit, especially working hard and not being paid! Pulling in knowledge from the placement didn't necessary help with the final year... but I always wished I was back at IBM anyway!

The atmosphere was friendly, positive and a good laugh - you didn't dread going to work in the morning! Unfortunately, some people don't take you seriously for being the student about the place, but when they realise you know what you're doing the attitude changes!

The placement scheme on the surface seemed well organised, but often deadlines weren't met - such as telling you if you had the job or not within 10 days... it took 2 months. The Student introduction took place after I'd already been working at IBM for a month by which time most of it had been learned

With the exception of internal on-the-job training and the student welcome course, there was no significant investment

Although I applied (and failed to get on) the IBM Grad Scheme, I was contacted by my former Manager and invited to apply for a job that was coming up. However, for our year, despite maybe 4 or 5 business areas being offered on the Grad scheme, they only seemed interested in recruiting into 1 - and it seemed if you applied for another area, you had no chance

Definately - after much bonding on the student training course there were often events/nights out and much banter in the office

Portsmouth ranges from dirt-cheap to expensive, depending on where you set up home. Going out and about also varied in cost, but hell, it's cheaper than London

Portsmouth's pretty vibrant whether you want a night in a few pubs or the clubs on Southsea Seafront, Gunwharf Quays or the town centre

IBM run their own social club, but the students tended to run their own nights out or trips every week