Business Analyst Review

I have really enjoyed my placement year due to the amount of experience I've gained. I have been in two very experienced teams, where I've learnt a lot of new skills and grown hugely professionally.I had a very positive experience working at IBM. I created a great network and gained exposure to a global organisation. The whole experience has pushed me to develop my skills.

IBM has a lot of jobs offshore so inter company instant messaging and email is very prevalent. I worked with people from all over the world and was treated as a normal employee and a colleague by all. I was given respect and I felt valued by all I worked with regardless of job title or location.

I began with a month long handover from my predecessor where I learnt about the bulk of my tasks. After he left there were many people that would help or offer advice. I could always ask for help and support from those above me. This was one thing that I felt that really helped me to feel at home at IBM.

Throughout the intern community this varied, but I was extremely busy on a daily basis. There was always something I could be doing, or needed to do. I enjoyed this, but at times the workload did get too much and it's important you address this at the time.

I was given a large amount of responsibility on my placement year with key business tasks. However, there was always people to help when needed and in IBM there are never any silly questions. I loved this about the internship,that you have a proper job and a real responsibility, you're not shadowing or getting the coffee, you're gaining real business experience which has been invaluable.

The training I've received about the technology industry has been amazing. I've learnt more in a year than I ever thought I could and developed a genuine interest in the area. I have also learnt at a top level how big business works, which will see me through my degree and future jobs. Throughout the year, the skills I've developed have been invaluable especially my communication and analytical skills.

The office is great, very modern, large open social spaces. You can have important meetings in rather informal places. Smart casual dress code so you feel comfortable in your own skin in work. Lots of events and activities made available from the start.

My placement was very well organised, prior to joining I had been contacted and given the details of my placement overseer, who was my first point of contact for any issues. I was then given an office induction and attended a large IBM welcome event to integrate me into the company.

The company really does invest in you. Whether that is paying for you to go to client meetings, receive additional education, or spending time and effort to go through things with you. In a year, I haven't been turned down once if I've asked for something which would enhance my experience and skills.

You have to reapply to the graduate scheme, lots of emphasis put on the fact that if you dont put the effort in during your placement you may not be eligible, but the fact that you get direct entry to assessment center for grad application, gives you a higher chance.

Yeah, if you turned up in the canteen you were bound to find one of them and even if not there was always someone you could find to sit with. Outside of work there was always something going on too

Living in London, both the costs of living and socialising were very expensive, with rent alone making up at least 1/4 of your wages. However, the area was extremely nice, with lots to do both during the day and night, catering for every eventuality, such as nights out, going walking, visiting attractions.

The nightlife in the area I worked was very limited, but most placement students don't live in the direct vicinity of the workplace. In the area that I lived the nightlife was very active, being only a short tube journey away from central London and also having lots to do in the local area, such as bars and clubs.

I personally have got involved in lots of activities outside of work, joining a local football team, going to a local church and being involved in many of the events that they were running. However, I do think that this is more down to the individual than what is available, given that you only have few months with which to be a part of it. There were lots of opportunities available, though.