Internship Review at IBM

The Role

Role Description

Extreme Blue is IBM's flagship intern program which took on 16 students on 4 different projects. These 4 projects are either working for IBM internally or working for IBM's clients. The projects essentially offer problems which it is the interns job to solve. This task ranges from research right the way to development and presentation of the product (and demonstration of a proof of concept) at the end.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Lots of responsibility and a great range of work. Excellent opportunities given throughout, most of which you wouldn't find on other placements.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Every IBM employee was eager to help out. Extreme Blue interns were really valued and respected by everyone from your immediate colleagues to senior executives.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Good balance between responsibility and guidance.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Towards the end, often had to work evenings or weekends, though this is exactly what you would expect from such a prestigious internship. The work was intense but there was time factored in for learning new skills whilst on the job - though you have to be quick to pick up new things. Varying responsibilities and workloads added on last-minute mean you have to be flexible and good with time management.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Great amount of responsibility and you were really respected to work well and get the job done.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Incredible range of skills developed, and a real insight into the business and how it works is given. This internship offers a real opportunity for interacting with leaders in their field and taking away a great deal of new knowledge. An excellent internship with a world-class company looks great on your CV.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Interns were placed together in an office which was usually good but often distracting. Extra space was set aside which you could use which often proved very handy.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Well established internship meaning things were generally seamless, though you are given much responsibility for things such as general time-line of work.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Brilliant range of opportunities, I cannot emphasise how many skills and how much knowledge you can take away if you are willing to work hard.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There is a somewhat well placed route for interns into the company, however my personal experience was not the best.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Interns worked and lived together and generally got on well and had an incredible summer. Everybody went away friends.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Accommodation was paid for by IBM which is a massive perk as it worked out quite expensive. Winchester itself was not overly expensive.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There wasn't much time for experiencing the nightlife, but generally it was very good with lots of great restaurants and a great range of pubs.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Loads of stuff to do and Winchester is greatly placed for access to other places such as London, Southampton and the New Forest.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I went away from this internship with a great range of new skills and experience, a great name on my CV and a great load of new friends.

Review 151/182 for IBM

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