Sales Support Analyst Review

I had an amazing year. Working for such a big company opens you to the sheer amount of opportunities. You learn their processes, the way they think, the way the system is put together. Thanks to this you have the opportunity to experience the complex functioning of technology companies, and understand what make them that great. Highly recommend it, it will change your view of the corporate world.

Since day one you are treated as permanent employees. The person you are to replace will have prepared a thorough handover, and will guide you through all you will do and its impact in the business. Management will get you involved in real tasks, that have long term impact in our strategy and results. On top of this, if your performance is good, you will get invited to come back as a grad to your same division or elsewhere - so they essentially look at you as a long term employee.

Help is always given to those who ask. That idea is key. As long as one asks for help, you will get it. In the beginning, however, who you are to replace will thoroughly coach you and teach in all you have to do. Once they leave your manager is your point of contact. The struggle comes when your manager is working from home or based elsewhere, as it is hard to explain operations through the phone. A great thing about IBM is its diversity and opportunities, if you do not enjoy your work your tutor - who is not your manager - will help you and guide you towards changing roles.

At all points in my placement I had something to do. My first 3 months involved understanding what I did and becoming good at it. From then onwards my managers would give me challenges to create operational files or put processes in play. These tasks were not just plain and simple tasks with no impact, but rather they impacted the work of many employees and the way we work. Vast amounts of work, and meaningful.

Lots of responsibility. Since day one I was supporting the Vice President of my division. She expected much from me, so I had to adapt quickly. My work ultimately helped her devise her quarterly strategy. I would see first hand how my work influenced her decisions and that from the Operations leader. Not only is the work you are given meaningful, but you are recognised when it is good quality.

I have become incredibly more proficient in my technical skills. Not only Excel, but other internal tools. The way I organise my work has also been greatly influenced, as I am able to prioritize more efficiently. I have also developed a sense of understanding what will be requested by others, which has helped out in foreseeing requests and delivering earlier and accurately.

Very pressured environment. Linked to the responsibility I was given, when management would stress significantly, so would we as our workload would increase and because we work hand to hand with them. However, during off peak periods our workload would be manageable and management would be very friendly. All in all after a year one learns how to get detached emotionally from the business so that every day is a fresh start.

It was greatly organised. Foundation - the Humam resources team who take over Interns and Grads - oversees our guidance, well being and training. Throughout the year you will have several opportunities to improve your learning on the many subjects IBM is an expert at - cognitive learning, analytics, high end computing, and so much more. Any questions they are very prompt to answer, and one is certainly not left out from the business.

They did invest a lot. I would have occasional meetings with my personal tutor, and she would advice me on my progress, performance and how to become better at work. Your tutor will have access to contacts and tools that IBM pays for that ensures that you improve your technical skills, among many others. A good example is the Think40 platform, free for all IBMers and full of courses of various subjects.

Future employment prospects within IBM are great, with a number of graduate roles available for interns and a great graduate programme. However, unlike some companies, there is a rigorous process to be taken on from an intern to a grad role. This includes a final review presentation at the end of the year, a lengthy grad application and (for the majority of people) an internal assessment centre before finally reaching business interviews. But it is all worth it.

The social scene in Bedfont was good as we were a close knit community of interns. The social scene in Southbank is great, as over 150 interns (in my year) were based there. There were always events going on and the famous drinks at Understudy every Thursday after work.. the bar directly opposite the office on the riverbank.

Living in London is wildly known for its expensive costs. As soon as you get your placement at IBM you will be invited to Facebook groups composed of other interns. Here people will group themselves and find houses - generally in Clapham, Canada Water or Whitechapel. Socialising possibilities are vast. Next to IBM Southbank's HQ there are several pubs which have discounts for IBM employees. Restaurants are vast as well, some with IBM discounts as well.

London has an amazing nightlife. There is always something to do. Even though it is expensive, you will always find a reasonable place to go for couple of drinks.

Yes, I helped run many events not related to my job and I was able to take on extra work and projects in other areas of IBM.