Junior Management Consultant Review

As an apprentice for IBM there are many different opportunities within one job type. Myself, I am currently working internally in operations while I wait for my security clearance to come through so I can start the role I was hired for. I understand that there isn't a lot the company can do as it is goverment cleanrace and I am pleased they have helped me secure work in the mean time.

As this is my first 9-5 office job there's a mountain of new skills I have developed. Professional communication both in person and over email is one of the first things I learnt. There are so many different courses available in the IBM intranet that there is always something you can learn.

I enjoy working in a busienss environment where I get to interact with people younger and much older than myself. You are treated like an adult by everyone, you don't feel like youre 'only' an apprentice. Within my apprenticeship I have fortnightly calls with fellow apprentices who started the same course at the same time and monthly meatings with my foundation manager to ensure my apprenticeship requirements are being met.

The sructure was very clearly set out during my 2 week induction. After this, there are mandatory, day-long courses that are based on you understanding what is expected of you and what the end assessment includes. I knew exactly from the start what the overall structure looked like. Within a month or so I knew what I needed to do in detail to pass my assessment.

I recieve endless support. From both my task manager (oversees my everday role and normally has a team of non-apprentice experienced employees) and my foundation manager (specifiaclly to ensure I am on target for my apprenticeship pathway). Personally, I have weekly 1-1 meetings with my task managager and monthly 1-1 meetings with my foundation manager. This seems to be the standard for all apprentices.

There are mandatory courses throughout the 2 years before the end assessment to ensure you are learning about all the core skills for your particular apprenticeship. There is also a requirement for a minimum amount of extra learning you must do to assists with the development of different areas of knowledge.

The qualification helps me perform better because it isn't too much. There is a healthy balance of every day work and apprenticeship work. Because this program is so deeply embedded into the core of the company everyone understands that there are some days that need to be taken specifically for apprenticeship work and they help you accomodate your every day work to suit it.

There are endless amounts of events and giveback being promoted. With a specific channel to promote these types of opportunities it is easy to find something extra to work on. There are communities for everyone within the company as well as foundation (apprentices and interns) only. There is quite literally something for everyone you just need to look for it.

Yes

It is not what I was expecting. Going from sixth-form to a corporate company you have no idea what you will be doing. I never understood how someone could find a days worth of work at a computer but now I know there's so much more than that. It's also because of the support. Everyone is so understanding and helping and it creates a very open and trusting enviroment.

The imposter syndrome isn't real. You'll do countless interviews and a few presentations when applying. Some people won't get through but for those who do, it can feel so overwhelming but the effort is worth it. This opportunity has opened so many doors for me that I never knew existed.