Cloud & Cognitive Team Support Review

I very much enjoyed my work placement at IBM, I was able to earn multiple opportunities and constantly supported by my team and Managers. The Foundation team is well-structured and the team makes sure that everyone on the Placement Scheme enjoys their year at IBM, whatever they're interested in.

I felt extremely valued by my team and by others team across different business units, as I had the opportunity to collaborate with different teams. Sometimes, it is hard to earn people's trust and recognition as a Placement Student/Intern, as some people have a preconceived opinion of Placement Students.

During my time at IBM, I was supported by my Managers and had regular meetings to ensure all my answers and concerns were addressed and dealt with. I felt confident to discuss my opinions, decisions and concerns with my Managers. Receiving regular feedback from them was another valuable asset as it helped me to improve.

I had regular client calls, meetings and team calls which occupied most of my time as these activities needed preparation. On a less busy day, I was able to complete more learning on subjects I was passionate about, and also get involved in activities outside my role to meet new people to collaborate on new projects.

I was able to earn my team's trust to take on more responsibility in handling client calls and meetings. I acted as the first point of contact to discuss clients' business needs and requirements to then make sure we find the best solution for them and their customers.

Being able to collaborate with so many open-minded and positive people from different teams allowed me to develop my communication and team working skills which are crucial on the job market. Learning more about subjects that relate to my degree, as well as constantly stepping out of my comfort zone to go beyond my daily job and expand my knowledge in areas such as Design Thinking, Watson AI, Cloud and Data Science.

This very much depends on the team and department, but in my team, it was social and lively. Everyone was doing their job, but also spent time networking and communicating with their team; asking questions, working on projects together and helping out each other. I felt comfortable and part of the team, as the atmosphere was welcoming.

The Foundation Team structures the Placement Scheme very well, which perfectly works for both sides. Our induction was well-organised, and so were our reviews in every 3 months. I felt supported by my Early Professional Manager and Task Manager, as we were in regular contact with each other.

As a Placement Student, I had the opportunity to attend external events, and join internal trainings to develop my knowledge. Placement Students are encouraged to complete online learnings, and badges to explore different parts of IBM, as a whole IBM invests in its employees' talent and development.

During my Placement, I took the opportunity to network and learn more about other teams and business units of IBM to find what the best match would be for me after graduation and where I could add the most value to IBM. All teams I've spoken to were amazing and very helpful, therefore I felt confident and happy to be able to apply back to IBM as a Graduate because I found the area I'm interested in, I hope to be invited back in the near future.

All Placement Students were sociable and open to meet new people, the Foundation team has helped us to build relationships as part of the induction activities. Events were organised the Placement Students, and regularly met up after work to socialise and connect with new people from different teams.

My Placement was based in London; therefore, the prices were high but there are ways to save money for example, sharing a flat or house with fellow Placement Students. The IBM Canteen in South Bank offers a range of different food options at an affordable price, but South Bank restaurants and bars offer discounts, so it is helpful to explore those online.

During the spring/summer months, the most popular place to go to and meet fellow IBMers was Understudy which is very lively and nice. There are many great bars and restaurants to go to without leaving the South Bank area.

Placement Students always organised meet-ups after work, on the weekends and sport activities. As long as students network with each other, there are activities to get involved outside work. In South Bank, there are many gyms, and sports facilities to play team sports or join gym classes together.