– Client Procurement Professional Review

by IBM

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

2.7/5
  • The Role
    3.8
  • The Company
    2.6
  • The Culture
    1.0

    The Role

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

    • I had a challenging, and yet an amazing experience working in this multinational corporation. Even though I was a remote worker, working on a client site for 15 months, My Professional Development Manager was always on call. The level of training was excellent and as a student I was enrolled on courses where colleagues were attending from global branches. I impressed my colleagues as a result of networking during the recognised IBM supplier negotiation technique program and got fantastic feedback where some colleagues stated interest to work with me in South Africa! I was offered an opportunity to participate on a vital client audit and was appreciated on the UKI executive level as well as given the opportunity to shadow the CEO.In IBM there truly are no limits to participation, progression, increase eminence and impress executives as well as fully realise your potential and get to "try out" a grad role with real responsibilities and a fantastic team-on for size!

    3/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • We had a Christmas do, an After- Audit Party AND my Leaving-do! Team were like family- they understood when I had to disappear due to emergencies as well.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • I was often working on my own, but a collaborative approach was the norm in the office. We would give each other a shout if something was unclear and similarly, I was sought out if they needed my help/advice as well.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • I was on a client site, so I was too busy- no real time for my dissertation project and long days 10-14 hours!

    1/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • I was completely in charge of most aspects of my role- I was free to develop my role according to my own interest and enhance what IBM calls "eminence" -which is simply put: popularity with execs and amongst the IBM community!

    5/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I feel that I learnt all my negotiation techniques, better and diplomatic argumentative techniques from experienced professionals which could have taken me years to pick up and polish on my own!

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • We were client focused office and only three people in- often just me- so quite dull.

    2/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • I wouldn't say it was the worst, but being a remote employee a lot could have been done to integrate me with other students. All events for Industrial Trainees were great though!

    1/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • I was on renowned courses and bespoke training modules such as Supplier Negotiation Courses where I had a chance to network in the Global IBM community and I felt IBM is extremely supportive in terms of training and treats employees- Yes, even students as a crucial resource and they are willing to invest in us!

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Subsidised Canteen

    Sports and Social Club

    National Travel

    Financial Bonus

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Working from home
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • I would like to go back in IBM after a much more enhanced portfolio of skills than i have currently in order to progress quickly within the organisation.

    3/5

    The Culture

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

    • No other students where I was based- and all my team lived away as well- no signs of anysocial life!

    1/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • approximately £500 per month everything included!

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • like i said- non existent

    1/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • No- this was a dull area

    1/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Purchasing and Supply

South West

September 2011

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