Business Operations Review

by IBM

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.2/5

The Role

3.1
The Company

2.3
The Culture

4.4

The Role

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

First 6 months, as things were new and exciting, I loved my placement! However, as I became more familiar with the company and the role I was doing, I realised it was not for me. Good placement for those particularly interested in technology, development of tech, and sales.

3/5

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

Mostly very highly valued, but there were occasional instances which marred my overall perception

4/5

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

This is one of the areas I believe IBM need to improve - I went months at a time without seeing any of my management team! Emails and phone calls can only go so far...

2/5

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

Difficult to answer as this varied so much. I'd go from working 10 hours one day to twiddling my thumbs the next...

2/5

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

I felt the tasks given to me were of high importance, and the word produced actually used by my colleagues

4/5

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

I believe many of the skills I developed will be transferable to anything I do in the future - communication (written and verbal), confidence, presentation skills etc

4/5

The Company

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

Started very quietly, however generally very friendly. There has recently been a boost in numbers which has been nice, although perhaps a little too active sometimes now!

3/5

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

There are just too many processes, things feel over organised! A bit more of a relaxed (but still professional) approach could be used...

2/5

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

My manager invested in me a lot, as did a couple of other colleagues who took me under their wings. Foundation (the team who oversee all of the placement, grads and interns etc) tried to help our development with workshops etc, but none of it was specific to individuals - it was all too forced

2/5

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

Flexi Time

Sports and Social Club

National Travel

Company Parties/Events

Staff Sales/Staff Shop

Working from home

4/5

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

For many, a future with IBM sounds great - however I know it is not for me. This would not stop me recommending others to work here, as I have enjoyed my time here.

1/5

The Culture

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

In my location there was a nice number of around 25 placement students, which made for a great social scene. I get the impression that in locations with more interns (eg London), this is not so much the case.

5/5

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

Very affordable - I managed to live off of my wage comfortably and save money on top

5/5

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

Perfect for me as I don't really like clubs. Lots of nice pubs, restaurants and bars. A few clubs around for those who are interested.

4/5

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

IBM is fantastic for this. There is the IBM Club which organises subsidised events for employees, employees have to pay just 1p per day to be a member (20p a month, not bad)! Events I attended included Alton Towers, a Christmas meal at Warwick Castle, plenty of pub quiz/meal combos, other Christmas parties, softball, pitch and putt...

5/5

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