Experience Consultant Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Management Consulting, Market Research, Project Management, UX/UI Design
Based on client demand
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I’m currently working as a User Research Lead on a cross-government HR and finance implementation project using an Oracle solution.
As a User Research Lead, I am responsible for ensuring the needs and perspectives of over 250,000 end users are captured and reflected in the Oracle HR and finance implementation.
My work includes planning and delivering user research activities, such as recruiting participants, organising and conducting interviews, usability testing, and observational studies. I collaborate closely with government departments to gather insights, synthesise findings, and communicate these back to stakeholders.
I translate research outcomes into clear recommendations for design and delivery teams, supporting continuous improvements and ensuring user needs are embedded throughout the programme.
As a User Research Lead, I am responsible for ensuring the needs and perspectives of over 250,000 end users are captured and reflected in the Oracle HR and finance implementation.
My work includes planning and delivering user research activities, such as recruiting participants, organising and conducting interviews, usability testing, and observational studies. I collaborate closely with government departments to gather insights, synthesise findings, and communicate these back to stakeholders.
I translate research outcomes into clear recommendations for design and delivery teams, supporting continuous improvements and ensuring user needs are embedded throughout the programme.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really valued the opportunity to complete my degree apprenticeship alongside my role, as it has played a key part in my development. It has helped me better understand how complex, end-to-end programmes operate and the expectations placed on both myself and wider stakeholders.
Studying for a Chartered Management degree at Manchester Metropolitan University has strengthened my business knowledge and given me practical tools that I’ve been able to apply in a real-world environment.
Studying for a Chartered Management degree at Manchester Metropolitan University has strengthened my business knowledge and given me practical tools that I’ve been able to apply in a real-world environment.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Having previously completed an apprenticeship with IBM, I was able to build on my existing skills, knowledge, and behaviours through my degree apprenticeship. This experience has played a key role in shaping who I am today, enabling me to go above and beyond in my role while continuing to develop, particularly in areas I had identified for improvement.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured, with strong governance in place to ensure I meet both my project and apprenticeship commitments. This support enables me to perform effectively and deliver value both for my own development and for the clients I work with.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive support when needed, and it is consistently accessible and effective. Having spent five years in the workplace, I now operate as a confident and independent professional, relying less on early careers support. However, when guidance is required, the support network is always available and responsive.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Manchester Metropolitan University has provided a strong overall experience. While the organisation of timetables could have been improved, the quality of teaching, course content, and support from staff has been excellent.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has played a significant role in enabling me to perform to the standard I do today. Without it, I would not have developed the same level of capability or confidence in my role. It has provided a strong foundation in business and management principles, which I have been able to apply directly in my day-to-day work, improving both my effectiveness and the quality of my contributions.
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
Being part of business resource groups and support networks is a key aspect of the culture at IBM. I have actively contributed to several of these groups, particularly in supporting apprentices by creating opportunities for their development and growth. This has also given me valuable experience in leading teams, particularly within the emerging areas of Authentic and Generative
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Absolutely, I would highly recommend IBM to a friend. Throughout both my professional and personal ups and downs, IBM has provided a strong foundation of support that has enabled me to grow and succeed in my career. The organisation consistently invests in its people, with a genuine focus on development, wellbeing, and helping individuals achieve their full potential. I’ve always felt supported and encouraged to do my best, which makes it an exceptional place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Don’t try to sound overly impressive. Be clear and simple.
Structure your thinking.
Use real examples from uni, work, or projects, small ones are fine.
Practice basic case-style questions (they care about logic, not perfect answers).
Explain things like you’re talking to a client, not an interviewer.
Show how you think when things are unclear, that matters a lot.
Teamwork stories are important (conflict, collaboration, leadership).
Know the basics of IBM (consulting, AI, cloud, transformation).
Talk through your thinking instead of going silent if stuck.
Stay calm and structured, that’s more important than “perfect” answers.
Structure your thinking.
Use real examples from uni, work, or projects, small ones are fine.
Practice basic case-style questions (they care about logic, not perfect answers).
Explain things like you’re talking to a client, not an interviewer.
Show how you think when things are unclear, that matters a lot.
Teamwork stories are important (conflict, collaboration, leadership).
Know the basics of IBM (consulting, AI, cloud, transformation).
Talk through your thinking instead of going silent if stuck.
Stay calm and structured, that’s more important than “perfect” answers.
