Sales Operation Analyst Review

My core role requires me to give operational support to the sales teams within Global markets. The main responsibilities of my role include:  - Driving Cadence reviews - Track and manage NPS relationship waves - Managing Telefonica invoice process - Assist client executives in achieving their goals Over the year, I have also been able to get involved in opportunities beyond my core role. This has involved completing research projects in account planning and helping on bids to clients.

After completing a voluntary placement skills audit for university before starting my placement year, I identified three key areas that I targeted for development. These were: - Commercial/Industry Awareness - Adaptability - and Organisational Skills The aptitude I developed the most throughout my time at IBM has undoubtedly been my commercial/industry awareness. This has often been subconscious and unbeknownst to me - but now, near the end of my placement I have found myself displaying comprehensive knowledge.

From my experience this year, the level of responsibility an intern receives is dependent on the amount of responsibility the individual would like. There is of course the minimum required responsibility often referred to as your 'core role' (which can often be demanding on its own) but extra work can easily be sourced, and is encouraged, by reaching out to the wider team and peers within the company. For that reason, I would suggest the levels of responsibility is sufficient to be meaningful and interns has the license to go one step further and engage in extra-curricular responsibility.

Again, I would suggest the level of support and guidance received is dynamic (in the best way possible). Support and guidance can be easily sourced when you feel as though it is required but you are not being hovered over by a helicopter mentor. This sort of guidance can be found from your specifically dedicated Foundation Manager who's role it is to guide interns through their year. A fantastic and comprehensive induction was also delivered before commencing my placement which equipped me with the knowledge and guidance to navigate through my year.

Despite my placement taking place 100 percent virtually, I have felt included and 'in the loop' in all of the conversations within my team. I think this speaks volumes about IBM's culture of inclusivity. In particular, I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere that actively encourage engagement and participation from interns and made me feel valued. From a work perspective the culture has been fantastic however socially there has not been many pure events to meet people

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I have learned a lot, achieved my development goals all the while enjoying my time - for this reason I cannot fault it. I have no doubt the experience would have been more fun, enjoyable and ultimately enjoyable if I had the opportunity to enter the office but I understand this was not achievable under the circumstances. My experience is likely to have been enhanced by the fact I lived with other placement students

Yes

My advice to make the most of a placement at IBM would be to put yourself out there, network, reach out and if you don't ask, you dont get. I realised that the value you can get out of a placement at IBM is proportional to the work you put in to achieve it. You will be given the freedom to explore your interests and be put out of your comfort zone to improve skills - so go do it.