HR Partner Support Review

Overall I really enjoyed my placement experience at IBM. It was a good insight into a large corporate global business. I learnt lots of new skills and knowledge. Because the business is so big you have access to lots of different roles and areas of business. I would definitely recommend a placement here.

I did feel like I was respected at the same level as a normal employee would. Particularly towards the end of the placement I was able to add lots of value and opinions and people came to me to ask for help. However from time to time and from certain individuals I was given multiple administrative tasks that dont make you feel that valued.

I was given a Task Manager who gives you your daily task and can help with you role. I was also given an Early Professionals Manager who I could go to for my wellbeing, career guidance or any grievances I had. Whenever I reached out for help or guidance it was given. I felt very supported throughout.

There were very rarely days when I had nothing to do at all. If you are eager and proactive you can get involved in lots of different projects which could make you very busy but you are able to control this most of the time. There are always badges or a learning portal you can use if you are bored.

I was given lots of responsibility. The data and slides that I provided on one occassion were used by the Country General Manager! At times I would have liked more responsibility to lead a project or an initiative. I recommend that you are proactive and create or seek opportunities of responsibility.

I feel that I have learnt lots of invaluble skills that I can use in future job interviews and in my degree. For example my excel skills have greatly increased. I also feel I have developed soft skills throughout my year, including different communication styles, leadership skills and creating and delivering presentations.

For me the office could be abit dull at times. There was not a very good gender spilt in the office with way more females, so more diversity would have been nice. On particular days there was barely anyone in the office however we were still asked to come in. Also I would have preferred more early proefessionals in the office.

Very well organised. Foundation is the area of the business that looks after the interns and apprentices and they offer lots of support and guidance throughout the placement. They make sure that you are aware of any events they have organised for your benefit etc. However organising more events would be good.

I felt there was a large invenstment in my personal training and development. I was able to go on workshops just like normal employees. Also there were workshops and training throughout the year that my Early Professionals Manager set up such as how to network or time management and presentation skills. I would like more external training facilitators to come in and deliever workshops.

Very appealing, because IBM is such a large organisation there are lots of opportunity to keep moving roles and therefore keep learning new skills. Also everyone is very eager and open to tell you more about their role so you can learn what future roles might suit you if you were going to come back.

Yes every weekend people met up to do activities or go out.

Very reasonable in Portsmouth

I lived 50 minutes away from the area of work. However I believe the nighlife was good there.

Yes, there were sports clubs depending on where yu were based. Such as volleyball, hockey, football. Hursley also has a gym.