UX Designer Review

My role at my company involves working in Design on projects. As a UX designer, I collaborate with other designers, visual designers, project managers and developers. On a day-to-day I create sketches, wireframes, ideate on ideas and use Design Thinking methodologies in order to create an outcome that meets the user's needs.

Over the time I have been working at IBM, I have developed many existing skills I had such as teamwork, communication and other soft skills. I have also developed many new skills such as learning new software, prototyping and implementing design systems. I have been able to develop these by asking questions and having opportunities to apply the knowledge.

I have been on the programme for one and a half years now and I thoroughly enjoy it. Having the flexibility to work from home but also experience working in the studio a few days a week has been beneficial.I enjoy working with other designers in my role and I enjoy meeting other apprentices when I go to university.

There is a clear structure to the university/ apprenticeship side and this links well together with my day job. My university time is split into sprints with time in between to work on assignments. This structure helps with keeping on top of off the job hours and balancing project commitments. Organisation from both sides is needed to keep things running smoothly.

When working on university assignments, or having general queries, my employer is extremely helpful and will try their best to answer any questions I have. If they personally can't answer it, they guide me to other resources or to someone who is more experienced in that field. The support is good.

When working towards my degree, I receive support from my lecturers, whether this is in class when we go to university for sprints or when I email them with a question. Most of my lecturers are helpful and supportive when help is needed but sometimes the support is not great from all of them.

Learning the theory at university, through my training provider, helps me to perform my role better because I have that solid foundation of knowledge which can then be applied in my day job. This means I can get straight into the application which is more beneficial at work. The degree is helping me to perform my role better.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work and these include networking events as well as social events. When you join as an apprentice, you're part of Foundation which means you can network with other apprentices, graduates and interns. There are also different communities and societies such as Foudnation Wellbeing, the Apprentice Community, Sports community etc.

Yes

I would recommend IBM to a friend because there are so many opportunities for growth and career progression. Everyone you work with is very friendly and open to you learning from them. There are so many experienced employees working around you, with whom you can gain knowledge and the work-life balance is also good.

I would advise others who want to apply to IBM, to ensure they do background research into the company. This could include, keeping up with the relevant news, reading quarterly newsletters and looking into the background of the company. Make sure you also know what IBM stands for! Most of all just be yourself in any interviews because they look for people who fit the company and vice versa.