iX UKI Strategy and Market Development Coordinator Review

At IBM, you are truly valued and given real projects to work for. The placement year is what you make it to be, even if the role that you're given suggests otherwise, as long as you communicate what you want to do and your vision in your future career, the people at IBM (especially your task manager and your EPM, early professional manager) will support you and guide you into opportunities that you are interested in.

There is no micromanagement at IBM, which makes it very autonomous in the way that you work, even as an intern. Task managers are there to not only issue tasks, but to also provide support when you need it. If fortunate enough to be managed by a manager from start to finish, they'll be able to know how much you've grown throughout the internship.

Everyday was different at IBM, but most of the time there was enough to be busy throughout the day. You're given big tasks to execute and you have to plan your own time and break down those big tasks into smaller, actionable tasks. Apart from work, at this time of the pandemic, IBM also provides a lot of opportunities to social and to network with other people. This is very important, especially to early professionals since you are missing that vital opportunity of meeting new people by not being in the office. IBM stresses the importance of work-life balance and not only preaches that, but also practices.

If you have the right skills and demonstrated leadership, you'll be able to at least a few projects during your year. You will always have your task managers and other colleagues to rely on, but often when a process has to be changed or refreshed, and you suggested a flow that makes sense, it will be implemented.

Before entering IBM, I didn't consider myself to be creative at all. I was into music but didn't really touch anything related to Art other than that. At IBM, I was able to learn so much that I didn't have time, still now at the end of the placement, to learn it all. I was able to learn the Adobe Suite with the resources that IBM's learning platform provided. This prompts me into being more creative and learn even more software such as Final Cut Pro and Procreate (iPad) outside of my working hours. These will definitely aid me in developing my creativity and helps me in employment.

I work at the Southbank IBM office. IBM iX's office differs a lot to IBM offices although it is in the same building since the message and the branding of iX differs. However, the setting of the iX studio is very cosy and it is always very easy to reach out to people or know new people.

It may be because of how long IBM have been hosting work placements and internships, the programme was very organised and every step of the way - from induction until separation there were guidance on how to do that. However, due to the pandemic, there are certain complications in the return of the devices but that's reasonable considering nothing like this has ever happened before.

In IBM iX, since there are only 20+ of us in this intern cohort, they organise socials every now and then. Sometimes it is focused on the core of IBM and skills that can develop us, and other times it is plainly just for socials. All of us have made great friends this year. The atmosphere of IBM encourages helping out each other instead of competition so it creates such a great environment to learn and develop.

I am based and living in London so it will definitely cost more than other areas in the UK. However, there is a bar called the Understudy where most IBMers go after work for a drink. It is the perfect place to get to know other IBMers that might not work in the same service line or growth platform as you and network. It costs around £3 for a drink.

Yes! There are loads and loads of opportunities that IBMers created and initiated. Some related to volunteering, some sports, some causes. There is no centralised place for event management etc, everyone can initiate an event or activity and as long as you advertise it on Slack or stick up posters in the office, there is bound to be someone who's interested.