Sales Operations Specialist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with IBM. I was welcomed into the company and consequently treated like a real IBMer with a huge range of responsibilities.

My team were fantastic and made it very clear that I was one of them, they understood my role and helped me to realise my potential. I felt like I was making a difference and genuinely adding value.

IBM offer not only a task manager but also a Personal Development Manager while on your placement year. This means that you get two tiers of support and there is always someone to support you.

I was busy most days throughout my placement and there was also something extra I could be doing. The nature of my role meant that quarter ends were busier than other times however with the opportunities IBM offer outside your day role I was always involved in at least one project.

I was given a huge amount of responsibility in my placement with some very tight deadline. After full training in the best way to complete task I was given many opportunities to prove myself and run tasks/projects by myself to set deadlines.

I learnt a huge amount form my day to day duties within IBM, giving me the opportunity to try new things and develop myself. Along side this IBM also offer training in many areas such as presenting and developing your personal brand, this is skill specific and has given me many new skills.

IBM run a flexible desk policy so the office is different everyday. This means that you get to meet a diverse range of people in many different roles/areas of the company. To this extent the atmosphere varied but is usually a vibrant place to work.

There are a large number of interns within IBM with a dedicated department for looking after all employees on foundation (undergraduate or graduate schemes). The scheme is therefore very well organised and structured.

IBM offer you as much training as you are willing to attend. There are numerous opportunities for face to face training as well as an extensive online catalog of self study and course based opportunities.

IBM offer a process of intern to graduate role application. Given that you pass your placement you are given access to graduate applications and roles before they open to external candidates. This gives you a huge advantage and the chance to join IBM in a graduate role.

There is a great social scene between interns and your wider team, IBMers are encouraged to socialise and get together outside work. I have participated in many events outside of work and got to know many different people through this.

My placement was based in the North of England so living costs are lower than interns based in London and getting out to socialise is also relatively cheap. IBM recognise the cost of living in London and pay interns based there a higher salary because of this.

The area I worked in wasn't great for nightlife however Manchester city center is only a few miles away where there is a huge range of options.

There are plenty of opportunities outside work however finding them can be difficult in smaller offices. It is encouraged to set anything up you'd like to see however so the opportunities where what you made them.