PMO Project Support Review

I really enjoyed my placement working in the Project Management Office at IBM. I got to know lots of brilliant people and feel that I really built on my skills and knowledge in the professional business environment - giving me the stepping stones to build a career after I graduate from university.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues and 'one of the team'. I didn't at any time feel any less valued in my role because I was an intern, and was treated just like any other IBM employee. I got to know a variety of people in my office who worked in a number of different areas, but I got to know my immediate team really well throughout my placement.

At IBM you have a Task Manager and an Early Professionals Manager. My task manager was always on hand to help me or answer any queries I had, and if she wasn't available another member of my team would always help out. Whenever I reached out for support in my role, guidance was always given to help me over come any potential challenges in the best way possible. Due to the nature of my relationship with my task manager and team, I never felt I needed to reach out to my Early Professional Manager, but they would have been there for support / guidance had I needed them.

My days varied - some days I was completely rushed off my feet with my business as usual work and other days were much slower. However, when I was having a slow day I was generally able to find things to keep me busy such as e-Learning or helping out with ad-hoc tasks.

I feel I was given a good level of responsibility on my placement. I independently owned certain processes and tasks, and once I settled into my role was left to run them. But, if I ever needed support or had a query there was always someone on hand to help. Due to the client facing nature of my role, I feel the level of responsibility I had was increased and I was trusted to attend meetings with the client independently throughout my placement.

I feel the skills I have developed and training I have received have prepared me for life after university when I want to apply to graduate jobs.

There was a friendly atmosphere in my office and this became more apparent as I got to know people over time. This made going into the office every day very enjoyable and it was a real shame when we all had to start working at home due to Covid-19!

The Placement was very well organised from the on-boarding process and throughout the year. The initial two day induction was a good way to get to know IBM further as a company and the expectations of your year before beginning in your actual role. The 3, 6 and 12 month reviews were a good way to track your progress and set yourself goals throughout the year and any communication from the Foundation team was always clear.

Other than the standard training and development that is offered to all IBM employees online, I did not feel that the company particularly invested in my personal development.

If you are interested in a consulting, technical or security role, there are a number of opportunities to return to IBM on the graduate scheme. However, as I don't think I want to work in any of these areas once I graduate I have decided not to re-apply to IBM. Therefore, depending on where you want to take your career the opportunities available at IBM will vary.

As I worked at a smaller IBM office there weren't many interns, but luckily I got on well with the small group of interns and we would all have lunch together each day. You were also able to attend 'First Wednesday Drinks' an this was an opportunity to socialise with people from the office outside of work.

N/A as I lived at home during my placement.

N/A as I lived at home during my placement.

There weren't any opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work in our particular office, but as I lived at home this didn't affect my placement year at all.