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IBM

EMEA Industrial Business Support Review

at IBM

Placement (10 Months+)

Business Operations

South Bank

Review Submitted: November 2021

Overall Rating

4.5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role
4.5/5 - Skills Development
4.5/5 - Support and Guidance
4/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Populating Microsoft Excel spreadsheets from raw data for a variety of purposes, from pipelines to revenue, and then creating charts and diagrams from this.
Taking minutes and actions from meetings and calls, and then distributing these accordingly.
Working with the 'L&K' (learning and knowledge) department to create and build programmes and seminars for the Industrial community.
Keeping case study catalogues up to date.
Ensuring distribution lists are accurate and up to date for communications.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I felt that I had a lot of responsibility within my placement, so much so at times this forced me out of my comfort zone, however this gave me the opportunity to grow and mature within the role.
I was responsible for around a dozen processes day to day within my role, from populating certain charts when fresh raw data was made available, to updating comms lists for entire geographies of the company sector I specialised in as and when people leave the company, join the company, change department and so on.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
I have learnt many new skills, as well as developing existing ones while on this placement.
My Microsoft Excel skills have massively improved and I now have an understanding of tools such as slicers and pivot tables, and how they can be used successfully.
I have also hugely built up my confidence on a day to day conversational level, and feel confident talking to all different types of people, and even leading calls and sessions, when previously I was a very shy person.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
4/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
The team that I worked in during my placement was very small, with the core team consisting of 3-4 people. This was great as I knew exactly who I could turn to for guidance and support, and I built very close relationships with my team.
My line manager was especially supportive, both in my roles and on a more personal level.
Support has always been accessible, and the general attitude towards supporting me has been great.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
4/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Really great culture and atmosphere that you can immerse yourself in.
Company and industry wide events such as 'town halls' and webinars are held regularly.
More and more in person social events are slowly appearing post COVID restrictions.
Amazing diversity initiatives that anyone and everyone can get involved with.
Leisure and sport communities within the company that you can participate in.
Constant opportunities to network and meet new people.
Just note that you have to seek this out and actively participate along side your job role to reap rewards.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
3/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. The work was challenging at times, however this allowed me to grow and improve my skill set which was very rewarding.
The team were amazing, really supportive and helpful, completely exceeded my expectations. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could, the only thing I would change would be to allow more time in the office. I understand that this was limited due to capacities with COVID-19, however working from home was very difficult at times, especially when working in a smaller team.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at IBM
5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to IBM
The whole process from application to starting the role can seem very long and daunting, and does take up a bit of time, however it is 1000% worth it in the long run - so just stick it out and put your all into it.
At the assessment centre be confident, engaged and chatty, it will make you stand out.
Ask lots of questions about your role, and reach out to the intern you are taking over from as soon as possible, they will be able to tell you a lot more about your role than the job description!
In This Review
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