Strategy Consultant Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis
Manchester
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
As a Degree Apprentice at IBM in the Cloud Advisor practice, I work on a variety of projects across different areas of the business. My current focus is on operational resilience, helping to ensure IT systems and cloud environments can withstand disruptions. Day to day, I collaborate with teams, analyse data, and support clients in improving their resilience strategies. My role gives me hands-on experience in cloud consulting while developing problem-solving and technical skills in a dynamic environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship at IBM, as it offers a great mix of hands-on experience, learning opportunities, and exposure to real-world consulting projects. The variety of work keeps things interesting, and I’ve had the chance to develop both technical and soft skills while working with supportive teams. The fast-paced environment can be challenging at times, but it’s rewarding to see the impact of my work. Overall, the programme has been a fantastic experience, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow in such a dynamic field.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I’ve developed many new skills and built on my existing knowledge throughout my apprenticeship at IBM. I’ve gained technical skills in cloud computing, operational resilience, and data analysis, as well as hands-on experience with different cloud platforms. I've also improved my problem-solving, stakeholder management, and communication skills by working on multiple projects. Additionally, collaborating with different teams has helped me develop adaptability and a strong consulting mindset. Overall, my apprenticeship has been a great opportunity to grow both professionally and technically.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The structure of the apprenticeship programme at IBM is well-organized in some areas, but my experience has been a bit more challenging. While there is a clear framework in place, I haven’t received as much support as I would have liked and have often been left to navigate things on my own. I understand this is to encourage independence and prepare us for the real world, but at times, more guidance would have been beneficial. That said, when I do reach out for support, there are people willing to help, and the learning opportunities are valuable.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
receive support from my employer, but not always as much as I would like. While there are resources and people available to help when I reach out, I have often been left to figure things out on my own. The reasoning behind this is to build independence and prepare me for real-world consulting, which has been valuable in some ways. However, at times, more proactive guidance would have been beneficial. That said, when I do seek support, my colleagues and managers are generally willing to assist, and I’ve been able to learn a lot through hands-on experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. The skills coaches and lecturers are always helpful and approachable, providing guidance whenever needed. They check in regularly, offer valuable feedback, and ensure we stay on track with our studies. The structured learning and resources available make it easier to balance work and academics. Overall, the support from the training provider has been excellent and has really helped me progress in my apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification through the training provider has been helpful in building my understanding of key concepts that apply to my role. The coursework covers important areas like cloud computing, business strategy, and problem-solving, which have given me a strong foundation. While some topics are more theoretical, they still help me approach real-world tasks with more confidence. The skills I’ve developed through my studies, combined with hands-on experience at work, have definitely improved my ability to perform better in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at IBM. We have a lot of "giveback" opportunities, including diversity and inclusion events, mentoring, and volunteering initiatives. There are also networking events, both internally and externally, which help in building connections across the company. On the social side, we have sports days and other team activities that make it easy to meet new people and take a break from work. Overall, there are lots of ways to get involved beyond my day-to-day role.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend IBM to a friend, but with some considerations. It’s a great place to gain hands-on experience, work on interesting projects, and develop valuable skills in a well-respected company. There are plenty of opportunities for growth, networking, and extra initiatives like "giveback" activities. However, the level of support can vary, and apprentices are often expected to be quite independent early on. If someone is proactive, willing to learn, and comfortable navigating challenges, IBM can be a fantastic place to start a career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
If applying to IBM, my biggest advice would be to stay proactive and take initiative. The company values independent thinking, so being able to manage your own workload and seek out opportunities will help you succeed. Make sure to highlight problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability in your application, as these are key skills in a consulting environment. Also, take advantage of networking—connecting with others in the company can open up more opportunities. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it; there are people willing to support you, but you often have to reach out first.
