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
I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at IBM. The company has provided me with the opportunity to get involved in a number of different projects from events to social media marketing campaigns. It is definitely about getting the most by networking, volunteering for projects and trying something different.
The marketing department have made sure to get me involved in everything! They trust me with a variety of responsibilities and we have fun along the way!
IBM has a fantastic scheme to make sure you get the most from your placement. We have PDMs (which are like personal tutors) that are available to meet and discuss any issues you may be having. We have 3 month, 6 month and final reviews so I have built a great relationship with my PDM. We also have monthly roundtable meetings. My team lead has been so helpful and made sure to put me in contact with the right people to get the most out of my placement.
Marketing can have you working 7 - 7 at an event but then the next day you may have a quiet one. There's a real mix! But if you're someone who wants to get stuck in, there's additional uses for your time like giveback and shadowing.
We aren't running our own campaigns but we enable those who are to get the job done. I was put in charge of collecting registrations for a big event (which sounds menial but actually turned out to be pivotal) and I send reports that are used on WW calls each week.
I can't thank IBM enough for the experience they have given me. I have developed invaluable skills which I will be taking with me. In terms of my studies, this year has helped me to consider what I'd like to take forward as my dissertation subject and I have some great contacts to use in research!
The Company
The marketing department is great - people are always looking to have fun whilst getting the job done to the highest quality. Some other areas are quieter (some teams are smaller than the one I am placed in). Southbank is always full of people and a fun place to be based.
The Foundation scheme in IBM is great as they match you with a PDM that you can speak with if you have any issues throughout your placement. I meet with my PDM at least once a month to discuss how all is going. Foundation is always looking to find new ways to support the interns.
We have taken a variety of Pick 'N Mix modules ranging from developing our CVs and presentation skills. I found the social presence sessions particularly valuable. IBM has a great reputation for developing their interns and graduates.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Car
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
International Travel
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Above 25 days holiday
Working from home
Healthcare from home
Healthcare/Dental
Travel loan
I'd love to apply back into Marketing at IBM but unfortunately there is no scheme for this. I have met with my PDM to discuss my options for returning back in the future.
The Culture
The interns are always out - whether that's day or night. We have Thirsty Thursdays every week and there's always activities going on. In the Marketing department we have networking drinks and meals too which is a lovely way to get to know the team.
London is expensive - but once you get over this you can have a lot of fun.
London is on the doorstep so you are able to go anywhere!
IBM has social and sports clubs - but we generally organised our own activities. I also joined a Netball club outside of work which was a great way to network with people outside of the IBM bubble!
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Advertising, Television/Film/Media, Business Management, Marketing
London
May 2015