Technical Pre-sales Specialist Review

I am required to have a broad understanding of our brand's product portfolio so there is a lot of learning via courses, often I also attend calls with experienced colleagues who are willing to teach. Currently carrying out a Python project to automate a task for my colleague and have created a few mock pitches for potential clients. We have recently been assigned a large account where we are working with the wider team to research the account's strategy, reach out to leads and create campaigns so that we can increase our market share. Will also be shadowing a few client calls hopefully in the near future.

Developed my communication skills as a result of networking (which I am very new to). Confidence has been improved by putting myself in different situations. Presenting and storytelling skills. Technical skills too - Python, understanding of the Cloud, SAN and other tech jargon.

I find it very enjoyable when I have actual tasks to do. I find that because it is such a technical role, there is so much learning and for the days you spend purely learning (on-demand using the learning platforms) it can be tiresome and repetitive. Learning for me is okay when they're on calls with your colleagues because then you can ask questions, and if you've got a team like mine, there are some particularly engaging characters. Personally, my brand lead has made things exciting by giving us a huge project and so that has made my experience a lot more enjoyable. In terms of the uni experience, it hasn't been great because of a couple issues that have arose.

My brand lead has been proactive and so with the project he has set us, it has been very well organised. In terms of the university, there are clear modules and assignments which are designed in a way that assignments overlap modules, so yes - it is fairly organised although I would have preferred if the assignment asked questions purely based on the module it was set during. However, we have had issues where assignments have been revoked due to errors on a few occassions and so there requires some work from the university. These issues are currently being addressed.

There are both on-demand content available through internal webpages, chatbots and a number of dedicated people available to help with any issues or questions you have - whether that be about your health, concerns, tech support, wellbeing, etc. We're also provided free private healthcare and a 24/7 helpline which are other lines of support we're entitled to

My employer provides me the 20% allocated time to study for my degree which I am required to have anyways but I think that is adequate. We have set up Slack channels for ourselves with a community of other apprentices in IBM doing the same courses so there is always that help available.

A lot of my assignments are actually related to the role I am doing or at least a role that I may consider doing in the future. This allows me to get work done that benefits my team as well as completing my assignment whilst gaining new skills and knowledge.

There are loads of social events and a great sense of community. Wellbeing, Sports, Technical, Ethnic are just some examples and there are great leads in those communities who are always organising brilliant events. All of which are great places to network, there is one event coming up soon purely for networking. The only downside I would say is that BRGs are not allowed to be faith/political oriented which makes me feel a little left out as it is a mission trying to get to know others like me.

Yes

Great sense of community. Great people. A perfect environment to grow in as it is encouraged everywhere - the nature of technology is that its constantly changing and so learning is key, which is faciliated at IBM whether or not you're an apprentice. Plus, they're pioneers in technology, such as through quantum, hybrid cloud, and their innovative technology throughout!

NETWORK! Get to know the company better by asking current IBMers questions. One tip if you find someone willing enough is to ask them to look over your CV - they can help you adapt your interview to match things about yourself that would fit perfectly in an IBM environment (making you the perfect candidate)