GTS SIH West Risk Management Assistant Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Placement Year and feel that I have learnt a lot about the business world during the course of the year. Gaining invaluable exposure has been eye-opening; the insight that I have gained throughout this year will, I believe, stand me in good stead for my future.

I feel like I have been valued by my colleagues throughout the year on a number of pieces of work conducted. I also feel that I have valued my colleagues on an extremely high level and have learnt a sizeable amount from each one of them.

I found that during the first 6 to 8 months I was given an enormous amount of support and guidance from my line manager. She was extremely supportive and will to teach and aide me throughout my work. Understandably, after 8 months my line manager moved roles and I was assigned to another. At this point, contact became much less. Responses from my new manager took a lot longer to receive and work became slower, which is a shame as I really wanted to kick on during the last third of my placement.

Again, during the first 6 to 8 months of my Placement, work was very busy on a daily schedule. My Line Manager was extremely good at getting myself and the other intern I worked with very involved. It allowed me to learn a lot about myself and where I need to improve. However, after my new manager was assigned, work became quite slow and tasks that would take a few hours would start to take a day or two as my managers responses would take a fair amount of time.

I felt like I was given a huge amount of responsibility throughout the year - I was given the chance to chair or run meetings, contribute to projects and work pieces. I was taken by surprise how significant a role and responsibility I was given by IBM and my Line Manager during this year.

The Ability to research, source and examine information thoroughly: Throughout projects and work I have to be able to thoroughly immerse myself into the topic and fully understand all aspects and be able to present on these areas if needs be. Improve Written & Oratory Skills: Similarly to Assignments & coursework at university, I have to be able to accurately write instructions, reports and essays detailing my work, findings and beliefs. Intellectual independence & Autonomy: I have to learn to stand on my own two feet without being spoon-fed – I also have to learn to manage myself and the work to an effective schedule, setting myself goals and targets. A Flexible & Open-Minded Approach to Work: I have had to learn to be able to effectively listen and take on board differing opinions, offer guidance when needed. I have also had to learn that my opinion is not always right, and that others may see things completely different – diversity in thought.

The atmosphere was very friendly - The office was never over crowded which allowed for a satisfying working environment. There was a good group of around 30 interns, which allowed for friendships to grow and ensured a healthy working environment. It also allowed for friendships outside of the work place and made the year even more enjoyable.

The Placement was well organised and I liked how, alongside our Line Managers, we also had an EPM (Early Professionals Manager) to look after us on the pastoral and personal side of things. This system was very useful as it allowed us to keep work and our private lives as separate as we wanted them to be.

Extremely appealing - I find it very interesting how there is such flexibility to move around the business and change roles to ones that may suit you. IBM is also very supportive of promoting from within the business which is very appealing in itself. A wide range of roles from technical to sales and consulting are also on offer.

There was a very good social scene amongst the fellow interns - a number of us lived together during the year, which allowed us to engage on a personal level. I number of events were therefore arranged throughout the year, such as for birthdays, Christmas parties etc.

The cost of living was good - Rent was around £300pppm - and living was fairly good value. No complaints here.

The Nightlife was of a good standard. A good mix of bars and places to go - also, as Warwick university is nearby, nights out catered to university students could also be found if need be.

I was expecting a little more on this front. As interns we organised a number of activities and events. However, upon starting our placement we were advised to sign up to the 'IBM Club' - which is designed to put on activities and events. I was though, slightly disappointing with this, as only a few events took place - which is a shame considering we had to pay a minimal fee for the club.