Quality Team Business Analyst Review

I worked to support Risk Managers to keep consulting projects profitable. I spent a lot of time creating financial spreadsheets and analysing customer feedback. I also spent a lot of time scheduling delivery reviews of contracts with senior stakeholders.

I was given a lot of responsibility. I felt no different to full time employees during my internship. You are expected to deliver while being aided to do so. The pressure is not too high when you have just started, but as you go, you are trusted more and more to perform critical functions of the business.

I have developed a vast amount of technical skills that I did not have beforehand. This is largely due to my natural technical curiosity, however IBM has allowed me to explore and develop these skills far beyond my expectation. They have even allowed me to perform a very technical role and just learn on the job, which has benefited me hugely.

I received a decent amount of support and guidance. I would have appreciated more mentoring being set up in advance (as I had to go and find my own mentors) but my line manager and foundation manager (for pastoral care) were both very supportive.

The atmosphere is very welcoming. People are very open to giving interns opportunities and even having a coffee chat. It is quite a relaxed work culture, where people come and go from the office as they please and dress code is not very formal. There is an feeling however that IBM feel that this internship is for our growth, rather than to scout future talent for their company. This is has its upsides (more flexibility and learning opportunities) however its downsides is that the conversion into a graduate position is slow and hard work often does not feel rewarded.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I have grown hugely and had many really valuable experiences.

Yes