Associate Partner Technical Specialist Review

My role as an Associate Partner Technical Specialist involves looking after my Partner and how they interact with the business. Supported by a sales lead, I bring technical advice around products and technical areas in which they could take advantage of and expand to. Day-to-day, I look at how these areas could be relevant to my partner, and communicate this with them.

I have definitely learnt new skills since starting at IBM. I have learnt a lot about professionalism and developed a strong work ethic. For example, knowing how to carry myself in a professional environment, which involved developing my oral and written communications skills. Furthermore, I have developed my critical thinking and problem solving skills during planning for 2023. I also work in a large team, which involves a lot of communication, teamwork and collaboration skills. I am also working on developing my leadership skills, for example I have ran a few events and projects already.

I am really enjoying my programme. I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of repsonsibility given to apprentices like myself since day one. I feel I can already see the confidence increase in myself, I am really enjoying learning new things everyday and networking with different people across the business. I feel very supported by my team and those running my programme.

My programme has been very organised and well structured which has contributed to me enjoying my apprenticeship so much! I receieve a lot of support from my foundation managers, and other contacts who are there to help me succeed. IBM has a very good relationship with my university, and are always keen to make sure we are on track and supported by them.

I receieve a lot of support from IBM. For example, I have bi-weekly meetings with my foundation manager to discuss my progress and if I have any concerns. I also have monthly 1-2-1's with my task manager to make sure I am managing my workload okay and if I am happy with my progress. There is also a really supportive foundation team at IBM which hold discussions for apprentices and other early professionals, for example Q&A sessions with sneior leadership. I also feel I can reach out to anyone at anytime if I am struggling or felt overwhelmed.

I would sya that my university are very active and communicate well with us on a weekly basis. We always have the option to reach out to the course leads if we are struggling and need extra support. I also have a dedicated success manager who is there to answer any questions I have and put me in contact with the correct people when needed. I feel like there is room for imporvement in terms of making our cohort feel connected and involved with eachother as we would if we were at university in person, for example with more interactive lectures / discussion sessions.

I can see a direct link between my university work and my role. I like that my course is split into 6 week modules which focus on different areas. For example, my first module was very business related and another has been based on computer science. This allows me to develop a varied scope of knowledge which I can use to support my team in my role. Also, the business module was particulalry interesting because I was able to develop my wirtten communication skills which are applicable to my role and I was able to relate the debates in the assignments back to my workplace and the technology industry.

I am part of a community which organises and runs events for early professionals in partnership with other companies. For example, I was involved in an event with Pearson which allowed me to develop both my personal and professional skills. I also enjoyed meeting and networking with new people. I have also attended a few social events where I had the opportunity to meet other apprentices and interns in other business areas who I may not have necessarily met otherwise. There are so many extra-curricular activities at IBM, and there is definitely one to suit everyone.

Yes

IBM has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual in ways I wouldn't have imagined were possible before joining. I have been given a good amount of responsibility since day one, meaning that I feel valued by my team. At IBM, I feel very supported by anyone I meet and encouraged to ask questions. I also feel very encouraged to look at different areas of the business and experience new opportunities, which I really appreciate. Finally, I think the opportunity to gain a degree alongside my job with a very good salary has been the best decision I ever made!

Don't be put off if you feel you are not very technical compared to other candidates you meet. There is a role for everyone at IBM, and you will have the opportunity to learn if you want to go into a more technical role. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as this shows you are inquisitive.