IBM, Case Study, Work Placements

IBM - Case Study



Matthew S
Finance Analyst
IBM stood out for me because it gave me responsibility, a real job, where your work was important not just to your team but the business as well.

Describe your role at IBM
This year at IBM I am working as a Signings and Backlog Consolidation Analyst for UKISA (UK, Ireland, South Africa). As a financial analyst I am responsible for all ITS (Integrated Technical Services) contracts and revenue which cover many areas of the business. I have to liaise with many different people ranging from other Financial Analysts to executives and directors. It has been a great experience so far and I have met some senior members of IBM as well as it giving me a broad overview of the company.

Working for a large company, does your role enable you to see how your work contributes to the bigger picture?
My role has given me a great view of the company. I have to work with people all over the business and have begun to see how my work affects everyone else. Be it commission payments for the Sales Executives or financial reporting for Wall Street or even just making sure that the right department gets the right revenue.

Based on your experience so far, would you recommend an Industrial Trainee Placement at IBM?
Definitely. My experience so far has been excellent. The improvement in my soft skills will set me up perfectly for my final year at university as well as giving me the business experience that will help me in getting a job at the end of Uni. It has helped me form a better picture of where I want my career to go and where I want to be in the future which I didn’t really know before came to IBM. Since I’ve been here I’ve changed as a person and employee. I think if you get stuck in at IBM you will see how much it has to offer and how much you can gain from it. I would recommend it to anyone considering a placement.


Caroline F
Software Developer
Placement student 2007-2008

Do you believe that the skills you have acquired from your role and your experience at IBM will help you in your final years at university?
This year has allowed to me greatly develop both my technical and 'soft' skills. Taking advantage of the courses on offer and the wide range of technologies used in my job has allowed my technical skills to grow immeasurably. There have also been numerous opportunities to give presentations and network with other IT professionals that have allowed me to develop my communication skills as well and become a more confident person. I know that this year will help me in my final two years at university and that my results will be better because of it.

Have you taken part in any projects outside of your role?
While working here I have also taken part in several community projects which IBM run, these include creating a murder mystery program for a Blue Fusion activity, helping run an activity for Bring Your Child to Work Day, and going to schools to help with actively to encouraging women to be more interested in science and technology


Michelle F
Sales Support

What interests you about Sales?
I enjoy working with people and building up relationships. Being involved in sales puts me at the sharp end of the business and is where I can deliver something back to the organisation.

Describe your role at IBM.
I was primarily based in the Storage brand of IBM Systems Technology Group, supporting the Sales Operations team. This included working closely with the Public Sector and producing weekly forecast of all active accounts. I was responsible for keeping the sales database and reporting tools up to date, giving the management teams accurate sales data for each sector. These roles gave me the opportunity to interact with people inside and outside of the business at many levels. I also organised team meetings for the Storage brand once a quarter.

What exciting projects have you been involved in during your placement year?
I shadowed several members of staff during my time at IBM and the most rewarding of these experiences was in events organising for customers. I helped with smaller tasks for an event in Montpellier which lead to me getting an event of my own to coordinate in the USA. I had to organise an entire customer study tour including flights, accommodation and itinerary (even choosing the restaurants!) and was lucky enough to attend representing IBM.



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