Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Assistant Review

I got to take part in a range of larger events such as science fairs and challenge days, which meant that I was involved in different kinds of preparation and day to day tasks giving a good variety to my role.

I was part of a small team, based in the same office as myself which is not always the case. We had weekly team meetings where my thoughts were taken into account the same as my permanent colleges. I felt thoroughly supported and appreciated during my placement.

At IBM you are allocated a task manager as well as a Professional Development Manager, meaning you have two lines of support and guidance. Both of my managers were incredibly supportive and genuinely cared about me progressing and my well being.

There were days when I felt I had very little to do, and I used these times to work on the project I had been set by my uni. There were small tasks that could be completed in the background when main tasks were done, such as using our Twitter account and modifying our internal 'community'.

I was given a few larger tasks to take full ownership of as well as contributing roles in other tasks. The amount of responsibility given definitely depended on me proving myself capable during the first few months, and gradually increased towards the end of my placement.

I think that the best part is that I will now go back to uni feeling refreshed and ready to work, knowing what my end goal is and understanding what I will be doing in the future. I think that this motivation is the most valuable thing I have gained, as well as more understanding about how a business actually works.

The office atmosphere varied from day to day, usually completely dead on a Friday but I was often trusted to work from home. My team sit in a small area of the office and this was always friendly and warm, and there was a general buzz around the office with people walking around and taking calls. I also had the opportunity to occasionally visit other IBM offices around the country and work from those, which was interesting!

VERY well set up. IBM have been doing placements for years, and there is a full set up from a database to find people to shadow, networking events and a full education plan for the year - even including sessions on how to apply back as a graduate!

There is constant training and development available at IBM, always talks going on and sessions set up as well as a wealth of online training that you can take at your own pace.

I am currently filling in my graduate application form and very much hoping that I will be accepted back!

There are a good number of placement students and graduates so there is a good opportunity to get involved.

London is very expensive!

In London there is something for everyone really!

There are loads of volunteering opportunities as well as invites to events at other companies.