Business Analyst - Placement Year Review

During my placement at IBM, I worked as a Business Analyst across both a client-facing government project and an internal business operations role.
On the government project, I supported the refactoring of a legacy system. My responsibilities included gathering and analysing requirements, working with stakeholders to understand business needs, documenting processes, and helping to ensure that technical solutions aligned with user requirements. This involved collaborating closely with developers, project managers, and client stakeholders to support the successful delivery of project objectives.
Alongside this, I held an internal role where I was responsible for maintaining and managing key project trackers used to monitor progress, risks, actions, and deliverables. I regularly analysed project data, produced updates for senior stakeholders, and presented progress reports during weekly leadership meetings. This required strong attention to detail, organisation, and communication skills, as I needed to provide clear and accurate information to support decision-making.
On a typical day, I would review project priorities, update trackers and documentation, attend stakeholder and team meetings, analyse requirements or project data, and collaborate with colleagues across different functions. My role required balancing multiple responsibilities while ensuring that information remained accurate, stakeholders were kept informed, and project activities stayed on track.
The placement allowed me to develop valuable skills in business analysis, stakeholder management, communication, problem-solving, and presenting to senior audiences. It also provided insight into how large-scale technology transformation projects are delivered within both IBM and the public sector.

Yes, I was given a considerable amount of responsibility during my placement. In my internal role, I had ownership of two key project trackers that were used to monitor progress and support leadership reporting. Rather than simply maintaining the existing trackers, I identified opportunities to improve the reporting process and designed two new trackers to replace the previous versions.
I was trusted to lead this work independently, from gathering requirements and understanding stakeholder needs to building, testing, and implementing the new trackers. The new versions improved the organisation and visibility of project information, making it easier for teams and leaders to track progress and identify actions.
Once implemented, I remained responsible for maintaining the trackers, ensuring data accuracy, and presenting updates to leadership during weekly meetings. This demonstrated the trust placed in me by the team, as the information I managed was used by senior stakeholders to understand project status and support decision-making.
Alongside this, I took ownership of my work within the government system refactor project, contributing to business analysis activities and working with a range of stakeholders. The responsibility I was given helped me develop confidence, initiative, and the ability to work independently while delivering tangible improvements to existing processes.

Yes, my placement at IBM enabled me to develop a range of both technical and professional skills.
One of the key skills I developed was Excel. Through managing and redesigning project trackers, I became much more proficient in using Excel for reporting, data management, and analysis. I learned how to build more effective spreadsheets, use formulas and functions to automate tasks, improve data accuracy, and present information in a clear and accessible way for stakeholders.
I also developed my business analysis skills through my work on a government system refactor project. This involved gathering and analysing requirements, understanding business processes, documenting findings, and working with stakeholders to ensure that solutions met business needs.
In addition, I significantly improved my communication and presentation skills. As part of my internal role, I regularly presented updates to leadership teams and communicated with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and seniority levels. This increased my confidence in presenting information and engaging with stakeholders in a professional setting.
The placement also strengthened my organisational, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills. Taking ownership of two key project trackers, including redesigning and implementing improved versions, required me to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and identify opportunities to improve existing processes.
Overall, the placement helped me become more confident, adaptable, and capable in a professional environment while developing technical skills, particularly in Excel and business analysis, that will be valuable throughout my career.

I received a reasonable level of support throughout my placement. My manager and colleagues were available when I needed guidance, and I was able to ask questions and seek feedback on my work. There were regular meetings and opportunities to discuss progress, which helped me understand expectations and develop in my role.
At the same time, I was given a significant amount of independence and was expected to manage much of my work myself. For example, I took ownership of two project trackers and was responsible for redesigning and implementing improved versions. This meant learning how to solve problems independently, manage my own priorities, and take responsibility for the quality of my work.
While there were occasions when I had to work things out for myself, this helped me build confidence and develop my problem-solving skills. Overall, I felt I had enough support to succeed while also being given the autonomy to take ownership of meaningful pieces of work and grow professionally.

The company culture at IBM was professional, collaborative, and inclusive. I found that colleagues were generally approachable and willing to help when needed, and there was a strong emphasis on teamwork and knowledge sharing across projects.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the level of trust given to employees, including placement students. I was given responsibility for important pieces of work, such as owning and redesigning project trackers and presenting updates to leadership teams, which made me feel that my contributions were valued.
The atmosphere was supportive while also encouraging independence. Employees were expected to take ownership of their work and show initiative, but there was always the opportunity to seek guidance when required. Working within both a client-facing government project and an internal role also exposed me to a variety of teams and working styles, helping me develop professionally and build relationships across the business.
Overall, I found IBM to be a welcoming environment that encouraged learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while providing opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities and contribute to real business outcomes.

I enjoyed my placement to a large extent, as it provided me with valuable professional experience and allowed me to contribute to meaningful pieces of work. One of the most rewarding aspects was being trusted with real responsibility rather than simply observing. Having ownership of key project trackers, redesigning and implementing improved versions, and presenting updates to leadership gave me a sense that my work was making a genuine contribution.
I also enjoyed working on the government system refactor project, as it gave me exposure to business analysis activities and allowed me to work with a variety of stakeholders. This helped me develop both my technical and professional skills while gaining insight into how large-scale transformation projects are delivered.
The placement challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, particularly when presenting to senior audiences and managing work independently. Although some tasks were more enjoyable than others, the experience as a whole was highly valuable and helped me build confidence, develop new skills, and gain a much clearer understanding of the professional environment.
Overall, I found the placement both enjoyable and rewarding, and it has given me skills and experiences that will be beneficial throughout my future career.

Yes