Talent Acquisition Coordinator Review

Over the last few years, I have had several roles ranging from sales, to marketing and social media, and currently within HR. My current placement as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator involves processing candidates applying to the IBM apprenticeship scheme, running assessment centres and acting as a point of contact for students who would like feedback or have any questions for their process so far.

Throughout this role, I have been introduced to new business areas of a corporate company which has helped me understand how they all interlink. I have also been introduced to new processes and have developed confidence when talking over the phone as well as presenting and managing teams, helpers and candidates when running assessment centres.

I was one of the lucky few to be selected for the RDA (Rotational Degree Apprenticeship) scheme with Pearson College and IBM. With this scheme, I got the opportunity to work on placements at other companies. With IBM being a supplier by providing a service to their clients, Direct Line an insurance company focused on their customers, and Ogilvy an advertising agency, I was able to achieve an all-round perspective of how each of these businesses work internally and with each other. This is my favourite part of my course as I feel it has provided me with the experience I need to determine what career path I would like to follow.

Being the first intake on this RDA scheme, there have been a few mishaps but these were well overcome by the university and their partner companies. The course itself has modules that help to understand the world of work (including contract law, marketing and industry studies) and provide you with skills and knowledge to apply in our day-to-day job roles.

IBM is incredibly supportive, encouraging each student to perform their best through study leave for exams, extra study material, real-life experience opportunities, and a line manager who is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Task managers are also very understanding and can help ensure you are able to prioritise university over work during exam seasons.

I have enjoyed attending Pearson College as it is a small and fun community. You would find yourself calling lecturers by their first name and act as comfortable around them as if you were hanging out with your friends rather than attending seminars - not something you would find in many other universities. Many of the staff are young creating a more enthusiastic and engaging environment for us. The College maintains a good relationship with the students with frequent emails for updates from the university and social events whilst lecturers are only an email or phone call away. Often, external advisors and professionals are also brought in to assist with university work or career options.

The modules taught are based on real life examples, and taught by lecturers who are still very engaged and active in their chosen profession which encourages them to share experiences and real life examples enabling us to put everything we learn into perspective. You are also encouraged to use your workplace when working on a research project which is always a great opportunity to 'giveback' to your employer, through researching a problem or opportunity for them and make recommendations on how they could improve.

IBM has many communities internally ranging from sports teams including netball and football, as well as more academic events like challenges including hackathons. There are also events designed for women in tech and networking events depending on your business line and location. The university also has their own events team which is run by students themselves who are able to choose sports teams, organise nights out including freshers and charity events.

Yes

IBM has a great support network for your studies and career development as well as opportunities for you to rotate within the company to explore different roles and business areas. For those who are interested in further training, they can complete IBM's own online training or attend a course with an external supplier which could be expensed by IBM.

1. Ask questions - there is no such thing as a silly question. If you don't ask, you will never find out. 2. At the assessment centre, be confident and be yourself - this is easier said than done but you must remember you can only be assessed by what assessors see on the day. Good luck!