Business Operations Assistant Review

I found that my work was really enjoyable. I worked within a great team that worked together really well, and I felt really well supported by the company, overall giving me a wonderful year in my role.

I felt like my role was not just one given for the sake of giving someone work experience - if I had not been there doing my job, it wouldn't have been done so I felt very valued by the team and my colleagues.

We were given both a task manager (for our day-to-day work) and another manager who looked out for our long term career prospects and development. Both of my manager were really approachable and supportive and really helped me make the most out of the opportunities IBM had to offer.

It really varied. At some times I was very busy (but my team helped to make sure it was never more than I could handle) and at other times I was quite quiet. The trick was to make sure that during the quiet times, you found yourself things to do. There was always work you could help the rest of the team with, or take the time to work on improving your team's processes, or take advantage of the many education and volunteering activities the company had on offer.

I was given a lot of responsibility within my role during my placement, but never more than I felt I could handle. I was definitely trusted by my team to be able to do my job, and I felt that the level of responsibility I was given was quite high for my level of experience (but not in a bad way). Outside of my role, there were also plenty of extra opportunities for leadership and responsibility to help me develop my skills.

Working with IBM has helped me considerably develop my confidence, as well as my communication and teamwork skills.

Great - I sat with my team at the London office and we got on really well and had a great time! We were in the London office and there was always loads of places to go for lunch and for drinks after work.

Very well organised! We were well supported and had proper, planned roles to go into. Placements students are really well integrated into the company and they also have compulsory events organised that are designed to help our personal and professional development.

IBM do a lot to help our training - they have compulsory skills days to help us improve our graduate employabiliity. Many of the educational opportunities for development are voluntary, therefore it is your own responsibility to take advantage of them, but the company is willing to support you if you're willing to put in the effort! However, obviously we are not permanent employees, therefore it is not expected that we should receive as much investment as, for example, the graduates.

I have already been offered future summer work with IBM.

It is good, but it's difficult to get everyone in the office at the same time, as many people like to work from home. Therefore when we do socialise it's really fun, but it doesn't happen that often!

London, South Bank - great location but extremely expensive!

Central London, can't complain! Just very expensive!

I personally wasn't very aware of any opportunities for activities outside of work, but I think a few people were involved in sports teams.