Internship Review at IBM

The Role

Role Description

Part of a team of 4 students, comprised of 1 business student (who builds the business case and other matters), and 3 technical students (who build the software solution to a problem). Our project was to build a Smarter Cursor, so I worked on the software side- designing the GUI, website etc. I was also involved in making the publicity materials for our project.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I really enjoyed the project we were given to work on, and also living and working with all the other interns. Although it was a really challenging internship and I had to work really hard, it was for a project which I enjoyed and believed in which made it worthwhile!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Extreme Blue seemed to be held in quite high esteem within the Hursley site- everyone had an interest, from recent grads to the vice president. The turnout for events for people to find out more about our project, or the responses to our pleas for help, were always plentiful, which made us feel very valued.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Our manager was firm but incredibly fair, and had an amazing knack of always understanding and pre-empting our problems before we did. Fortnightly 1-1s were a huge method of support, but our managers door was always open and just across the corridor, so we always felt supported. Each team also has a set of mentors, of which our gave up a huge amount of their time to help and support us.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Pretty busy- it did go in peaks and troughs, when there were deadlines/client meetings/presentation- this didn't feel like a 9-5 most days! But it is a case of if you put the work in, you do get rewarded.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Although we had a manager and a set of mentors, the project ultimately belonged to us, the team of students. I really liked this- we had the opportunity to go where we wanted with the project, and to develop our own skills.

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

The skills I have gained are the most valuable thing from the whole summer. Most important were the presentation skills- we had to do weekly presentations in front of audiences, culminating in 2 big presentations in Brussels to the other Extreme Blue teams and clients. My presentation skills and confidence have improved tremendously, and I can safely say that no other presentation will ever worry me again! The opportunity to experience what it is like to work for a huge corporate company is also valuable, as was all the general experience in being part of a team, working with clients and delivering a project.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I really enjoyed working with the other 15 students in one office. At times it was a little loud, but the atmosphere was mostly one of hard work! It was useful to have the other students nearby to share expertise and solve problems.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very well organised!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We had many talks and seminars on skills from presentations to media training.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• International Travel

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Hopefully returning in a couple of years- the internship was treated as a 12 week 'interview'.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Although Winchester isn't party central, living and working together meant that we all bonded very quickly and became good friends.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

IBM paid for us to stay in Uni of Winchester Halls. Winchester isn't a cheap place, but it is lovely, and we had a good few meals out/pub trips for a reasonable price.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Not much in Winchester, could have travelled to Southampton very easily but we didn't end up going. There are some lovely pubs in Winchester that we contented ourselves with.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

We could join the gym and use the sports facilities.

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?

Be prepared for some hard work, which pays off more than you ever thought it could.

Review 160/182 for IBM

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