Systems Marketing Assistant Review

On a macro level - I've had a pretty great placement. The opportunity to network with Senior Members of staff, from the VP of IBM Systems UKI to the VP of IBM Systems Worldwide. Alongside that I've got to be at events all around the country and in very beautiful locations - so on reflection on a macro level this placement has been great. The day to day tasks and admin sometimes got repetitive, but still with that said - it's been a good year.

Initially it was difficult fitting in with the environment but after the first team meeting (where they brought brownies and cupcakes) they made me feel so welcomed and gave me their undivided attention. I can leave this placement knowing that with some members of my team and colleagues I've made life long friends.

The support was there but what I learned is that - this isn't university where if you're stuck your seminar leader may notice and come over and help you. If you're in a predicament you need to be proactive and be the one to ask for help & guidance.

Due to the nature of my role there wasn't a set routine of how busy I'd be. Doing Marketing it all depended on the campaigns we were executing, whether there was a new launch etc.

You can't expect to automatically be given a lot of responsibility. I had to earn the trust to show that I'm capable of doing a lot more. After I proved myself to my team the responsibility I have has almost tripled - I'm given a lot of scope on the different brands and projects and people actually come to me for advice/ guidance because I'm that trusted in my role.

This experience will enable me to use real life examples to apply to theories and either support or dispute them.

It's a very open plan office so it encourages you to be social! For all the interns it was a relaxed atmosphere!

Due to having a PDM (Personal Development Manager) they allow you to keep on track and inform you of things going on so you're never confused or feel like the placement is unorganised. There's always someone to help you get back on track.

As mentioned prior you did have a Personal Development Manager who'd be there to guide you but this whole experience is about being proactive. You cannot expect to grow and learn things if you don't go out and actively seek things - and these things are not hard to find. If you sit around waiting for stuff to be handed to you, you really won't get anywhere or feel the benefits of IBM.

The graduate scheme is very appealing as unlike the placement year you're not fixed to one role. There's the opportunities to change and move around so you can truly experience what the company is like. After talking to graduates here and seeing their daily workload, tasks, and feedback they do look quite appealing.

Definitely!

The closer you live the more expensive accommodation tends to get. But, if you live further out in Zones 4,5,6 you've got to factor in the expense of travel - London isn't cheap! There are so many apps such as YPlan, Happihour etc. which will inform you of good deals and good nights out so you can have a great affordable night out!

South Bank neighbours Covent Garden so you can always stroll over the bridge and have a good time there. Otherwise, there are a few bars & pubs locally for you to enjoy yourself.

Yes.