Partner Technical Specialist Review

My role involves providing our Business Partners with deep technical expertise and guidance to help them incorporate IBM's technology portfolio into their solutions. I am also responsible for organising and facilitating events across IBM's entire portfolio which provide enablement for our Business Partners, thereby increasing their technical capabilities.

I have definitely learnt a variety of skills since starting my apprenticeship. For example, I have gained a lot of confidence through being given responsibility over projects and completing valuable tasks that make a difference. I have greatly improved my problem solving and communication skills, and learnt to be adaptable and flexible. I have also learnt to take initiative and utilize critical thinking through active listening and managing conflicts. Balancing my apprenticeship with my job role has also led me to hugely improve my time management and organizational skills too. My technical knowledge and skills has also hugely grown, as well as the soft skills previously mentioned.

I really enjoy my programme and am really glad that I decided to take on a degree apprenticeship rather than attend university. I have always felt really supported and have a great work-life balance. I have made lots of friends through joining IBM and also enjoy getting involved in a range of extra activities at IBM such as joining communities and attending events.

My program is well organized and structured, despite occasional issues with the university side. For example, late communication about assignment details or events. However, these issues are always addressed once raised. I also like that I complete my university degree in the same amount of time as a conventional student would (3 years) and that study time is consistent throughout the year. I feel really supported by the Foundation Managers at IBM in completing my apprenticeship programme too.

I receive a lot of support by both my Foundation Manager and my Task Manager in both completing my apprenticeship and progressing my career. The EPH Foundation team are really approachable and are vocal about being there to support us should we need them. I feel like IBM also has a great community of previous Apprentices who also support us in progressing through our programme.

My University have a range of resources we can use to help us progress through our programme and we are assigned a Success Manager who we have regular meetings with to discuss our progress and address any concerns. The individual course leaders are also there to answer any questions about the content too.

My programme is a great balance of technical knowledge and business concepts, which is perfect for my job and awareness of other areas of the business. The content I have learnt throughout my course has often helped me to gain an understanding of why things happen in a particular way or the context behind processes at my workplace.

IBM has a lot of opportunities for apprentices to network with other EPHs such as interns or graduates, as well as other IBMers and senior leadership too. Events happen very frequently for us to meet in-person and have fun. For example, I am part of a community that organizes professional networking events with our partners and clients that allows us to learn new skills and experience new things whilst meeting new people from other organizations. This is a great way to make new friends.

Yes

IBM is a great place to work and everyone is super friendly and approachable. We are encouraged to be curious and learn new things whilst progressing through our careers. I have a great work-life balance and feel very valued within my team. I am provided with opportunities that challenge me and I enjoy.

Ask questions and be open to any role or opportunity. Don't limit yourself to what you think you know or be put off by joining a technology company with no technical experience or knowledge. IBM offers a great environment for you to learn and grow, and there is also the opportunity to move around and experience different areas of the business too.