Project Manager Review

I’m extremely fortunate in the fact that no two days are the same. As a Project Manager at IBM I’m responsible for managing a billing application for a major telecoms client. This work includes planning and execution of changes to the current application within the full life-cycle of the IT system – covering all aspects from hardware to software. My day to day job encompasses a wide range of activities including; planning the project scope, managing resource demand, estimating time/cost until competition, ongoing management of the risks and issues, liaising with the client and not forgetting, leading a team of people. Furthermore I’m involved with a number of unique opportunities outside of my day-to-day role including my work with schools and communities within IBM and mentoring. I work with about 20-30 schools a year on projects to stimulate interest in IT and science as well as CV writing workshops and the Apprenticeship Attraction programme to help showcase the alternatives to university available to students today. To demonstrate just how varied my work is at the moment I’ve recently delivered a large scale project, successfully led a corporate audit, and managed a multi-million-pound deal while working in a whole list of different locations with an array of people.

Achieved: OCR Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence and in ICT Systems & Principles. Working Towards: OCR Level 4 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT & Telecoms Professionals and in Computing and Systems Development Internal training courses: Java Fundamentals Project Management Fundamentals Testing Fundamentals Project Environment / Sales Skills Leaning: Huge range, it's been non-stop!

Absolutely love my Apprenticeship! My role is varied, challenging and full of new and exciting opportunities. The teams I've worked with so far as extremely supportive and the sense of community is superb.

From day one you're an IBMer - a full time employee treated like anyone else. Internally, recognition and celebration of success is a key part to the scheme and done at regular intervals. Externally, I've recently been named the NAS South Region Apprentice of the Year - A huge achievement and looking forward to the next round.

All training is provided via IBM - Excellent support

Tremendous support - Upon joining IBM we're assigned a Professional Development Manager who are there to manage us through our Apprenticeship. In addition to these we are also given buddies and encouraged to develop mentor relationships with other IBMers. My team and managers have been brilliant, I really couldn't ask for more.

With a starting salary of £15k IBM offers an extremely competitive and attractive proposition. Travel costs beyond my day-to-day commute are completely covered which is a big bonus! At the moment my living costs are very low, being an Apprentice I'm still living with my parents.

The opportunities available are huge - a massive range on offer from events geared towards new technology and IBM offerings to annual events for the Graduate / Apprenticeship community to social gatherings and weekends away... Over the last two years I've made friends for life.

Yes

Absolutely, 100%. Joining the IBM Apprenticeship programme is the greatest decision I’ve ever made, a truly life changing experience.

Before making a final decision consider all your options. In my personal opinion schools / colleges apply far too much pressure on students to follow the university route. Nowadays you don’t need a degree in order to achieve, there are so many other amazing opportunities away from what is considered to be the ‘norm’. All this can be summarized into four words; Dare to be different.