Business Development Representative Review

The role is very central to IBM's operations across Europe, so there was lots to learn, understand, and then practice. At times the role was extremely busy, but I would rarely work outside of hours 9am-6pm. The work has some daily/weekly repetitive elements to it, but also smaller ad hoc projects. Overall, I enjoyed the broad perspective to the role, and how it helped me to develop in areas I hadn't before. At times, it was very busy, but still enjoyable.

I was always thanked for the work I did, particularly from my direct team members and because of this I felt valued. But also because I became a trusted member of the team as well. Within my direct team there was around 20 people, and all were based in other locations, which obviously made it more challenging when building a strong network. However, I did work with everyone in the team at least once, which made me feel valued, useful and reliable.

As previously stated, my team were located in other locations, which sometimes meant I was self-learning. Whenever I was introduced to something new there would be an interlock, but it can be difficult to learn something new without someone next to you to teach you. However, help was always provided when I asked for it and colleagues were patient when I was learning.

The role was intense, and I would have to prepare daily reports regularly through the day. Given the position or the role within IBM, I was naturally busy and would have to answer to a large range of people across Europe. I never really had to work out of office hours, but during the hours I would be very busy. There were times were I would be very quiet, but these were less frequent and at times when the business had begun a new quarter.

I was in an essential role in the operation behind IBM's hiring processes which led to a high amount of responsibility. Part of this responsibility was approving/rejecting requests within a tool used for hiring approvals. Without the approvals the business development could stagnate, and if you make a mistake it could be costly for the business.

The role was suitable to my chosen degree, which is Business Management and International Business.It showed me how to operations and infrastructure behind IBM services work, which relates to my degree. The role allowed me to build on a wide range of skills, attributes, and areas such as analytics, IT, business operations, teamwork, presenting, business processing and reporting.

The atmosphere is great - you are given flexible desks and a handset on each one. This allows you to be mobile in the office and gives you freedom to sit wherever you want. With a huge intern and graduate base in South Bank, I had a great time with communication and settling in. The office gives you a sense of responsibility of your own work rate and allows you to focus.

I believe it was very structured. With the foundation team by your side since you first apply for your internship, they will help you in your personal development with quarterly appraisals and feedback. This allows you to determine where you need to improve and guide you to becoming a great intern.

I work for a huge company with a lot of different departments that have a lot of friendly people. I was able to network with these people easily, through face to face meetings or conference calls. This gave me the upper hand to learn more about the business and gave me the confidence to network along the service lines within the company. This was completely down to the individual and you give yourself the responsibility to venture in the company, but again, it's easy in a big company where almost everyone is open to have a chat.

As an intern, we have an exclusive hiring process for the graduate scheme they offer within IBM. This is judged on your overall performance within your placement year, being highly rated your manager and having a successful application. The Graduate scheme gives us the opportunity to expand for our own personal development and also within the company, which is a great prospectus.

Yes - completely. You are entering IBM with roughly 250-300 other interns in your exact position. It gives you a sense of comfort knowing that you are learning alongside a huge group. I was fully endorsed by the whole Foundation scheme allowing me to feel comfortable within my placement. It allowed me to enjoy a social atmosphere in and outside of work.

I was lucky that I live with my parents in London and traveled rather cheaply into the office. However, for some, especially in London offices, expenses are difficult to manage. We are entitled to an extra sign on fee for applying for a London job, but as an intern, you have to manage your expenses well. It would be beneficial applying for a student oystercard and railcard for cheaper travel.

Great - at South Bank you are at the heart of London. There are plenty of social events/clubs/places to eat around here and if managed well, you can be doing something different almost every week!

Yes - plenty. The Foundation scheme encourage communications for new starters and social events are the best time to do this outside of work. This can be hosted by current interns, but are at most, very good. Other than this - at South Bank there are seasonal events, such as food markets and Christmas stores, that have a great participation rate.