Partner Technical Specialist Review

I am responsible for overseeing the organisation and facilitation of partner and client enablement events on our products and services. This includes everything from planning events we want to run, to on-the-day support. I also have my own partners which I manage. This involves providing them with technical enablement and pre-sales activities.

I have really enjoyed my role at IBM, since the variation and opportunities I have achieved have allowed me to continuously improve both my personal and professional skills. For example, I have greatly improved my public speaking skills and confidence from both my role and extra giveback opportunities I have undertak. I am also very proud of my technical knowledge I have obtained, especially where I have come from a less technical background.

I am very happy with my experience from IBM's side. I am well supported and have a good network of people I can speak to if I have any concerns or need advice. Although I am a degree apprentice, I am not treated any differently at work than any other employee. I am therefore very proud of my decision to pursue an apprenticeship instead of alternative post-18 pathways.

My apprenticeship programme is structured well and allows me to complete my studies in enough time, using my on and off the job hours. Each course within my programme is 6 weeks long, which I feel is a good amount of time to learn about each topic and complete the assignments. Communication from the university is often last minute and unclear, often requiring further clarification but is eventually sorted.

I receive a lot of support from IBM to acheive the criteria of my apprenticeship. I feel I can go to anyone in the business for support in specific topic areas to meet my KSBs. My team are also very understanding of my commitments to my apprenticeship and respect my university days.

The university provide good support when concerns are raised and I have regularly contact with my success manager. The individual course leads are easy to get in contact with and provide 1-2-1 support sessions if needed throughout the 6 weeks. There are also extra sessions available for maths and academic writing to help with completing assignments.

I like the variation of topics that are included in my degree. This helps me improve my knowledge in aspects of my current role, but also other areas of the business I should have an awareness of, for example in cyber security. I also feel some of the knowledge could be useful in the future, for example data analytics and programming.

There is a huge variety of communities all IBMers can get involved in. To name a few, there are communities for sports, well being, females & allies and apprentices. There is always an event happening both online or in person at all office locations. I also find that most apprentices are close and are friends across multiple business areas. I am also involved in a community that facilitates professional networking events for early professionals across different businesses; meaning we can improve our team building, knowledge and relationship building skills with other apprentices and graduates.

Yes

IBM is a very positive place to work, with a lot of support and opportunities available across the business. There are also a lot of benefits available to everyone, including apprentices, and being paid whilst completing a degree for free is a huge bonus! There is definitely something for everyone at IBM, no matter your background or previous experience.

Be open to any opportunity you are given, even if this is not what you had planned. Treat everything as a learning opportunity. Be honest and transparent with your skills and experience. Also, treat others in your assessment centre fairly and be your authentic self. It is not a competition and you never know who you may meet again!