Application Developer/ Project Analyst Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Front-end Development, Project Management
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
On a day to day I work with a team to manage multiple projects in the public sector. I have client meetings as well as work on other tasks to help improve practices and make jobs more efficient
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am given lots of responsibility and treated as a professional despite being an early professional. I am given the opportunity to do lots of different things and move around in the company as a consultant. Additionally, I have been given the opportunity to get involved with other projects and giving back to other students, companies and Greater Manchester
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I develop many skills on a day to day. A big one is expanding on creating relationships and conversing with different stakeholders. As well as these softer skills I have also been able to develop technically particularly in upcoming areas such as AI
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
it is very well structured, having different managers for both the day-to-day and the apprenticeship side really helps to manage each area separately and bridge the gaps if there are any
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer is very accommodating to requests for additional time to focus on apprenticeship and university learning. There are designated slots for learning in the week and the expectation that some is done outside of work as it would be. However, if I have ever needed help it has been there
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
There is a lot of support at the university, however some of the feedback they ask for doesn't get taken onboard or put into effect. Sometimes additional clarification is required and can be difficualt to understand tasks when certain personel at the university don;t understand the difference between a full time student and a degree apprentice
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Being able to put into practice what I am learning helps it feel more relevant as well as allows me to benefit from the continuous learning. Additionally, with an ever changing technology industry learning alongside a job allows me to bridge gaps between theory and practice
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are opportunities to get involved with socials and communities at work, there is a range and people can even start their own. They have a great early professionals community as well as a great Manchester one.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My experience so far has been challenging but extremely rewarding, the connections I have made and skills I have developed have far exceeded my expectations and if I had attended university full time. It is a great opportunity
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
To consider the career path you want to follow and ensure their values and business align with your own perceptions. IBM is a great place to learn and you do not need to join knowing everything just with passion and intelligence
