Business Operations Specialist Review

REALLY enjoyed the overall experience but job role itself could be unfulfilling

At IBM I felt as valued as other permanent employees and was always treated with respect. Permanent employees appreciated different approaches to tasks.

The best thing about IBM is the fantastic support system in place. My task manager was always willing to support me with my role, university requirements and development needs. My personal development manager (career manager) really helped me achieve my goals with constructive feedback and definitely encouraged me to make the most out of the experience which I am very grateful for.

My role was quite un-demanding so I was often stuck for things to do. However, I was able to use this spare time to get involved with other business areas and do 'Giveback' such as recruitment and organising events for Industrial Trainees.

This is a difficult one to answer as in the tasks I carried out I was given full responsibility. However, the tasks I was given in my job role were often process/admin driven so didn't require much thinking.

I learnt so much on my placement at IBM. The overall experience prepares you for your final year at university, career and life in general. I developed so many skills over the year including soft and technical skills.

Manchester office didn't have much of an atmosphere as there was only a small number of Industrial Trainees (6/7) and the permanent employees often kept themselves to themselves. However a bonus of this was that you built great relationships with the other Industrial Trainees and Graduates based in Manchester.

Very well organised. I could not fault it in any way. From my first day to last day everything ran smoothly and everyone knew what they were doing.

IBM's main focus is on personal development and training and they are very keen to invest in this. Obviously you have to be pro-active as an individual (no-one will baby sit you!) but in return for a pro-active attitude you get a lot of encouragement and fantastic development opportunities.

This completely depends on your progress for the year. Its a year long interview and there are 300 interns so there is a lot of competition for grad roles. However, if you do a good job during the year there is a good chance of coming back as a graduate.

Yes, there were monthly socials for Graduates, Industrial Trainees, Futures and Apprentice students in Manchester which were great. We also had a more formal Christmas and leaving social.

Manchester is very reasonable for both living and socialising.

Great night out in Manchester City Centre or outskirts e.g. Fallowfield, Didsbury...

Yes, IBM do 'Giveback' which means you can take time out of work (if you do not have any job commitments) to do volunteer like work. For example, I helped at an assessment centre, did a couple of recruitment events at my university and also got involved with internal communities (diversity related) during my year.