Business Development Review

by IBM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am on a rotational programme but my day to day is based around team calls, preparing presentations and client calls presenting these solutions to the client and discussion approaches to complex problems.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Many, especially around soft skills of presentations and building client relationships but also hard skills in terms of technological understanding, contract writing, managing deal pipeline and how complex emerging technologies work

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Really enjoy the programme and the balance between on and off the job learning. I especially enjoy working with and being surrounded by other highly motivated early professionals while also getting the opportunity to work with very experienced proffessionals.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well put together, with university 1 day a week on a Friday which works well. I also have rotations within my day job which give me the opportunity to explore areas of the business I am specifically interested in.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Lots of support. My Early Professional Manager, Task Manager and multiple mentors are very supportive with whatever I need or what to pursue in my career.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I do receive support, but this area is less confirming than the support provided by IBM but the support is there if you go looking for it.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I believe my education piece supports my personal development and wider understanding yet due to the specific technical nature of my role has limited direct impact but a good long term grounding of skills and understanding.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes a great deal of networking, events, social gatherings and sports teams. I play casual football with IBM, attended the corporate games and multiple apprentice/early professional social events

9/10

9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Thoroughly enjoyable, can see the personal development I have made against my friends just studying at university. I am more self assured, have a diverse range of friends and a strong expansive network of professional contacts and I have many more employable skills.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?

Go for it, it will be worth it. Focus on the idea of learning through the programme and don't think you have to know everything and take every opportunity that comes your way