IT Specialist Review

I am currently working on a government account where I have rotated through a number of different roles. I currently act as an interface between IBM and our client, tracking and managing all contractual deliverables, some of which I have had the opportunity to author. I have been able to see the full product life cycle of application development and the way a project comes to together end to end.

Having completed the first part of my apprenticeship I have been awarded my external Level 3 diploma in IT. Internally I have completed numerous training courses, both instructor lead and self paced on line. This has allowed me to establish and develop key skills in both technical delivery and softer skills such as working in a team, communication, negotiation and presentations. Since joining IBM I have learnt so much, not only from a professional perspective, but also from a personal one. I am able to learn how to conduct myself and respond appropriately to numerous different situations from the experience of the team around me.

Having completed the first part of my apprenticeship I have been awarded my external Level 3 diploma in IT. Internally I have completed numerous training courses, both instructor lead and self paced on line. This has allowed me to establish and develop key skills in both technical delivery and softer skills such as working in a team, communication, negotiation and presentations. Since joining IBM I have learnt so much, not only from a professional perspective, but also from a personal one. I am able to learn how to conduct myself and respond appropriately to numerous different situations from the experience of the team around me.

I have been very fortunate that I have been part of one of the largest accounts in the UK and the team that I have worked with have been fantastic. They are all extremely supportive and understanding of the apprenticeship, always encouraging me to succeed with out pushing me too hard. The integrity of the company and the way employees conduct themselves is something which has exceeded my original expectations ten fold. At first, working full time in such a complex organisation came as a huge culture shock. I wasn't sure about the roles I was expected to fulfill having had no previous technical experience. However, every one has been really helpful in allowing us to settle in and find our way and I now find myself very at ease in such a large company.

The current team I am a part of have now extended my original end date on project three times. I am regularly provided with positive feedback and appreciation for a job well done. The central foundation team have also nominated for external rewards and recognition for my achievements to date. I find that every one I work with will always say thank you. If you give your time and effort and do a good job, it rarely goes unnoticed.

I have found training is something you have to be very pro-active with. Working on busy projects it is vital that you book training well in advance and make the time to develop your skills. With such a wide range of courses available, I find myself a little stuck for choice, but training will be very much influenced by individuals and their career aspirations. I have actively sort mentors with in IBM - professionals who have worked through the ranks and have been with IBM for a number of years. They are fantastic when it comes to support and advice, or even a sounding board when my day hasn't gone to plan.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and i think that there isn't much to improve on either. I get decent feedback each month from different employees and it's summarized and given to me in a meeting with my employer who takes care of all the apprentices. I feel i always have someone for help and guidance as i feel comfortable enough to talk to my employer too.

my wage is pretty decent for an apprenticeship. i started on quite a low wage but as it was my first wage ever, any money was really good to me. I can use this money to help pay my bills every month and pay my parents board, my car expenses and other expenses too. I have a lot more of freedom with the money im getting from IBM as well and the independence is nice.

IBM is excellent at collaborating teams and I have found much enjoyment in attending events and conferences to bring together service lines, foundation professionals and apprentices. There are always multiple opportunities to get involved in initiatives both internally and externally. I have been lucky enough to be on a very large project where the majority of the teams are working away from home. This allowed the chance for a great sense of community where teams regularly go out for dinner, bowling, to the cinema, achievements and birthday celebrations. Through this I have made some fantastic connections that I remain in contact with and have made some very close friends.

Yes

As a global company, the prospects and opportunities in IBM are almost limitless. There is the chance to kick start your career, gaining hands on experience for a company that has been established for over 100 years! I would definitely recommend it though to a friend as i personally think this career path is better than simple just going to university like most younger people do these days.

Above everything I wish some one had told me to relax, enjoy and go with the flow. Which is easy to say now I have nearly 2 years under my belt! The whole experience, from applying, to joining is just so overwhelming, it is really easy to get lost in the stress of relocating and meeting new people, working for a new boss. But I can honestly say the whole process has taught me so much and I look back on the last two years with some very fond memories. What I would say is keep a positive attitude, be open minded and above all be proactive!! If you want something, you have to make it known and do something about it! Nine times out of ten, if it's a good idea, some one will help you make it happen...but no one will do the work for you.