Project Manager Review

I provide project management support to a range of projects within the Security Business Unit at IBM. This means keeping track of tasks and managing workloads, managing the response to problems and issues that arise as well as becoming a focal point for managers to go to when trying to find out information for a project

Most of my new skills have centred around communication, people and presentation skills, as I spend most of my day speaking to people. I have also developed many IT skills, such as Excel whilst developing my knowledge set for technology in general.

I love my apprenticeship scheme! The structure of my working week fits well into my learning style and having the opportunities to instantly apply my learning into the real-world really helps develop my skills even further. The open and constantly developing culture at IBM, further aids this progression.

I work full time Monday to Thursday and then spend every Friday attending my education provider (Pearson College London). I also spend time during my working week on education and most of the time this falls into my working hours, however during exceptional circumstances sometimes I have to work in the evenings and weekends to ensure I complete all of my university work.

Loads! There always seems to be a constant and never ending flow of support and this is always tailored to meet my specific needs. We all have a Foundation Manager who is specifically devoted to our careers and supporting our apprenticeship - Although we have regular and scheduled catch-ups with these managers, we can always ask them anything at any point to ensure we get the best experience.

Similarly to our IBM Foundation Managers, we have a student mentor who we can access throughout the working week. They also have regular catch-ups with our IBM Managers to ensure the support we receive truly encompasses every part of our apprenticeship

I learn the wider fundamentals of how and why my role contributes to the world of business and society through my university course. This allows me to truly experience and appreciate the full impact of my job and how this affects others both directly and indirectly.

I am part of the leadership teams for the IBM Apprentice Community and the mental health resource group. Both of which provide social activities such as escape rooms, networking events with others across the business and wider afield as well as covering serious and important topics through events such as coffee mornings. There are also many, many other events that exist as well - At no point am I left with nothing to attend even when working from home!

Yes

IBM has supported me right from the very beginning of my career and I know that they will support me indefinitely into the future. This also leads into the massive amount of opportunities I have been able to access so far, both internally and externally. And this all stems from IBM's unique and world-renowned culture.

Stay calm, be yourself and ask questions - No question is a 'stupid question'!!!