HR Business Development Onboarding Coordinator Review

IBM is a very social environment, and living with other interns has definitely make the experience so much better. Support from the Foundation team has been excellent whenever I have had questions or concerns. Giveback volunteering is an excellent scheme that I would recommend getting involved in as much as you can, whilst still prioritising your job role.

Having a weekly team call meant, as an intern, I felt aware of what was going on in the wider team. We were given responsibility from the first day and always receive feedback on what we have done well, and what we could improve on next time.

A handover with the previous intern makes the transition process in to the job role so much smoother, and I understood the processes and what I needed to achieve early on. Communication with manager was always consistent and daily, to ensure we were all working together.

As business demand differs day-to-day, I would often have a day where I could focus on other things outside of the job role. This meant I could make the most of other opportunities that are available ie. volunteering work.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility in my day-to-day role, with opportunity for further leadership/project management building in external projects outside of my role and department.

I have certainly improved on my core 'soft skills' ie communication, team work and confidence. I feel ready to go back to university primed with experience in working under pressure, and working to structured deadlines.

Some days would be quieter than others, but there was always a friendly atmosphere where you could chat and approach colleagues whenever you needed.

The induction is a great introduction in to IBM, and it puts you at ease to be with other interns for a few days prior to starting in your own office. From the first day, the Foundation team ensures you feel supported. Having two managers, a pastoral-type manager and a task manager, has been beneficial.

The online Education website is great, as you can search for nearly anything and complete videos/quizzes to test your knowledge. As a graduate, I would hope to have even more invested in to my development.

The company gives interns early application to apply for graduate opportunities, all which are competitive and highly commended. Consultancy is the field where most graduates are recruited in to currently.

Living with other interns meant that we all became good friends very quickly. This was the highlight of the year for me- as there are around 25 interns, so there are always people to socialise with in the evenings/on weekends.

Portsmouth is fairly cheap to live, with many pubs and bars nearby offering decent prices. It is a student city, so is an ideal place to be on placement that is no where near as pricey as London.

As its a student city, the nightlife on the weekend is always very lively.

IBM's 'Giveback' volunteering scheme always has opportunities for helping at Assessment centres, doing Careers events at universities and even doing fun educational days at schools. I would definitely recommend getting involved wherever you can.