GPS European Pricer Review

A huge factor was the people in IBM, Great working environment in which 99% of people have a genuine interest in trying to help and develop you as an individual. I was also matched to a very exciting role, (finance related) pricing multi million pound deals.

This grew as time went along. Initially, needing to prove myself before I felt like I was genuinely valued.

Support was always available at a single request. Whether it be from my manager or anyone in the company. Sometimes I would ask people who I had never met before, but I knew worked in the area I was struggling in. I did feel though that people did not make a real effort to offer guidance unless I asked for it.

My role is complete deal based. If there were a lot of deals in the pipeline then I could be ridiculously busy. On the other hand, there have been times when the company simply did not have many deals on the guy, and my team have had almost nothing to do. (Short periods only, as IBM are generally bringing in deals)

The levels of responsibility given to me were surprising. After an initial 3 months or so of supporting colleagues on their deals, I was in fact given my own deal to work on. It wasn't a massive one, but over time I have been given bigger and bigger deals. It is both nerve wracking but at the same time extremely exciting.

I am not entirely sure that there was a big overlap between what i learned in University and at work despite them both being in finance areas. In any case I feel that at least when I go back to University I will be able to pick out things I learn and relate them to the real world. In terms of beyond my degree, this year has helped me beyond what I had imagined it would. The experience you gain is invaluable and without a doubt will help me in the future

I believe I was just particularly lucky with my team. I was told by people outside of my team, that the pricing team were just generally known for being a sociable and fun group. So if it was soley based on my personal experience I would say great, lots of joking around etc. However at the end of the day IBM is a giant corporate and the office is not the most exciting place to be, particularly when i walk around I can see that not all areas were like mine.

There has been quite a small amount of organisation visible to the interns although I am sure there is more to it than what meets the eye. However once you are put in your role, do not expect much more from IBM. The reviews you have with your development manager are useful at 3 month intervals. There are 2 events for interns, paid and organized by IBM across the whole YEAR!!!! I expected a lot more than that. (One of these events being your induction).

Education is available in abundance to all employees. There are live classes you can connect to over the internet, there are saved courses which you can do at any time. There are also face to face classes which can also be particularly useful. When I look at the investment in me particularly, I didn't see much. My team spent time with me when requested, which was great. But not a lot more than that.

Still debating between whether IBM would be my first choice. However the prospects are nevertheless extremely appealing. There are such a wide variety of roles available, in a number of different business functions. I am particularly attracted by the consulting roles and will definitely be applying back.

With around 350 placement students this year, there is always something going on. I guess the hardest thing is knowing when to say no. Great social aspect to my year at IBM and have made some great friends throughout this year, including both interns and normal IBM employees.

London is an amazing city. But it goes without saying, it is quite expensive.

London!! great nightlife!

Loads of opportunities. IBM has a great system in which they present opportunities for employees to get involved with which they called 'giveback'. Often community work. I am also part of a 5 a side football team, there were 3 IBM teams in the league which has been good fun.