Junior Management Consultant Review

The great thing about IBM is that my role can really vary. I started off as a scrum master. My role here involved supporting my project squad through their Poc delivery by hosting each of the sprint ceremonies, as well as being a main client point of contact. Now, I'm working as a service designer/BA. I'm responsible for co-facilitating design thinking workshops for the client, as well as creating reports for our first delivery phase. On top of all this, I also get involved in giveback, for example being part of the apprentice community board and helping out in a workstream for NAW 2022.

So much so! Looking back now, I've realised how much I've learnt and all the business terminology that I've picked up. One of the main skills would be my presenting. I've had countless opportunities to present to my wider team, the client, as well as global IBM sector leads. My IT technical capabilities have also developed. I've been managing resourcing on excel, creating microsites and also putting my powerpoint skills to the test.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience at IBM. I always had high expectations, but they were definitely exceeded when I started my apprenticeship. The culture of the company and my project team is great, and I'm really achieving a good work-life balance. IBM are incredible at offering support. We have to multiple people to go to if we need help with anything, e.g., our buddies, foundation managers and task managers.

I'd say my programme is very structured. We have a learning plan with set courses to complete which are related to both our job role and apprenticeship. We also have regular meetings with our foundation managers to go over our progression of off-the-job learning hours as well as the skills we are gaining from our projects.

Such a large amount. We have slack channels with communities dedicated to mental health, supporting your apprenticeship and role opportunities. When joining IBM you also get given a buddy. I found this really useful because I was able to ask my buddy "silly questions" that I didn't want to go to my manager about, such as how to log hours and tips on good courses to complete. My project manager is extremely supportive of my apprenticeship and ensures that we get one day a week, free of distractions, where we can crack on with our learning. Also, when you first join IBM you'll go through an induction. This is primarily hosted by the foundation team, teaching you about what it takes to be an IBMer all the way through to tooling!

The CMI has provided us with the list of KSBs (knowledge, skills and behaviours) that need to be ticked off and completed by the end of our apprenticeship. They have also made the critria needing to be met by our portfolios very explict, that way we know what to expect when we enter the gateway process at the end of the two years.

I've found it really useful. Our company hosts regular training sessions, which are specific to each apprenticeship pathway, and our most recent one (client conversations) really helped to prepare me when speaking directly to the client, for example, always being honest with them and making sure to develop rapport. The online training courses have been really useful in developing my IT capabilities as I've been able to improve my excel skills.

There are so many on offer at IBM! I joined the sports society, here we have regular in person meet-ups (depending on covid restrictions) in London. I sit within IBM iX, the iX team have been amazing at organising social activities, we went to Winter Wonderland at Christmas and also had a virtual Christmas gathering with all the current apprentices. The pacify community (which focuses on mental health) organised a puppy yoga day! There are too may to list, but if you love getting involved in social events, IBM is the place for you!

Yes

The CULTURE is amazing! Everyday that I log onto my computer or go into the office I feel so supported by my team. A lot of people I know didn't do apprenticeships because they wanted the uni experience, but with all the social events and meet-ups at IBM you really don't miss out on that. Looking back on myself to when I was in sixth form, I couldn't imagine co-hosting client workshops or creating high level reports, but I did it within my first few months of joining the company!

Be yourself, that's all IBM want to see. During the assessment centre, make sure that you listen to everyones opinions, and also try to think outside of the box during your tasks. Speaking up is also key, if you don't speak enough IBM will have nothing to assess you on!