Change Manager Review

I currently work in Change Management, working alongside the client and IBM professionals to organise the implementation of any changes to the clients Systems/Applications

Yes before my current role I had never worked in Change Management which also gave me an insight into Service Management as a whole as I was required to complete the ITIL Foundation Certificate

I enjoy the fact that you are encouraged to try new roles and also work with different clients as you could perform the same role with a different client and it would be a completely different experience and you would learn new skills

I feel like a valued IBM professional as we are treated the same way as any other professional, they don't treat you like an apprentice, they expect you to get on with the work provided just like any other professional would.

The programme is well organised as there are set deadlines to be met to progress through it and there is a comprehensive support network. There are also education weeks which are mandatory to progress through the scheme which are beneficial to your every day role

At IBM not much support is required from the training provdier as the majority of the apprenticeship is work based

There is a comprehensive support network from Early Professional Managers, Buddys (who are other IBM apprentices) to Mentors (who can be any IBM professional). They are all there to help you progess through the scheme, As are all other IBMers who are willing to help you progress

The IBM salary as an IBM apprentice is very good. Also when you are working out of town expenses cover travel and hotel/meal costs. Also depending on the mileage you drive travel costs can be covered by a company car

There are many annual Foundation events which are beneficial to attend for networking purposes but also a great way to meet other Foundation Professionals who don't work on the same project as yourself. Also on a lot of the projects there is a good social scene where at least once a week professionals who are working away from home will go out for a meal or a trip to the cinema/bowling so there is always something to do instead of sitting in the hotel room

Yes

It is a great opportunity to work in the real world with real clients, where your work will make an impact

Just be yourself, IBM is more interested in you as a person and what skills you have other than what grades you got at school. Don't let having lower grades put you off from applying (as long as they are of the asking mark) or the fact that you won't have a university degree as after the scheme future job prospects will be more interested in the experience you have acquired over the last few years