Placement Year Review at IBM

The Role

Role Description

Obtaining data on hardware prices, breaking it down for managers across EMEA and analysing for anomalies.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The internship in its entirety left me astounded. Opportunities to grow and develop were provided in abundance.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

People were quick to say well done, and encouragement was consistent throughout the company. I left with a great network and friends that I will have for life.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Unbelievable guidance, and a genuine interest was taken in my future. The system in place maximizes potential for those that embrace the help.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

In general I was able to finish my daily tasks with time to spare. I was therefore encouraged to make the most of this free time by seeking development outside of my daily tasks.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As I developed more trust with my task manager responsibility grew. There was always the availability of more responsibility if I were to seek it out.

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

This was the biggest surprise for me. I did not necessarily believe in developing skills beyond the technical and analytical required for my job. With great encouragement I developed a whole set of skills, resulting in a new confidence and drive I will take into my future.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I developed a close nit group of friends within my office. Also, most offices are open structure so there is a lot of interaction with those around (no matter of their status within the company.) However, I did work in finance so there were obvious restrictions.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Immensely organised; the structure in place allows a consistently smooth placement year, irrespective of individual task managers.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

By giving me a personal development manager, I was the pushed and encouraged to extend my comfort zones. An incredible 'say yes' culture was clear.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Above 25 days holiday
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I believe that they are very good, and that my affections are echoed. However, graduate roles are competitive.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

A great student community, with the added bonus of a bit more money!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I worked in Portsmouth, so although relatively cheap for a city, it was still a city none the less. Taxis were incredibly reasonable.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very good; decent variety of destinations. Room for a few more establishments.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everything I required for extra activities was available.

Review 163/182 for IBM

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