Technical Support Specialist, Tivoli Storage Manager Support Specialist Review

I am part of the UK first line support team, supporting the IBM Tivoli Storage Manager product (a backup and archive product). This involves daily interaction with various IBM clients, maintaining a good working relationship with these clients (via telephone or email) and assisting these clients with any issues/queries they have regarding the TSM product - whether this be errors, config queries or performance tuning suggestions

I have been provided with over 2 weeks of formal education on the TSM product itself, along with numerous other informal lessons with my colleagues regarding various aspects of the product or how it relates to other programs (VMware, Microsoft Exchange etc). I have also developed my client interaction skills through both my role and formal training providing by the apprenticeship scheme. I have also been given business education and developed previously non-existent skills on how to develop and prosper in a business environment.

I have been provided with over 2 weeks of formal education on the TSM product itself, along with numerous other informal lessons with my colleagues regarding various aspects of the product or how it relates to other programs (VMware, Microsoft Exchange etc). I have also developed my client interaction skills through both my role and formal training providing by the apprenticeship scheme. I have also been given business education and developed previously non-existent skills on how to develop and prosper in a business environment.

My job is a daily challenge, and after a year I have had the opportunity to do so many things that I wouldn't have done if I had stayed at Uni (I did just my first year) for example, being part of a panel at the University of Southampton talking about apprenticeships, meeting high-up execs within IBM and having full conversations with them, visiting schools to talk to potential candidates and going to London for two weeks of formal business training in my role.

I meet regularly with my Personal Development Manager who always has comments/suggestions on how I can progress on a high level in terms of moving up/around in the company (in order to experience as much as possible) and my team leader (whom I work with regularly) has always been very supportive in guiding my learning and ensuring I am recognised for good work/client interaction.

I get a good salary which meets my current expenditure but as I am planning on moving soon I am looking forward to future pay rises!

I am currently working on a development project outside of my current role as this is something that I enjoyed at uni - and is proving a challenging and good way to learn about other skills (specifically PHP) outside my normal role - as well as the business model for developing new software. Outside of the technical realm, I have been on a number of events - either within the Apprenticeship scheme, meeting other apprentices/execs or visiting schools/Unis to talk about the apprenticeship scheme.

Yes

Good pay, and a job where you will feel respected and valued and will get a real education in a business environment which will be invaluable in later life.

Make sure you stand out - most applicants will be academically suitable for the role, so why should you be hired? Voluntary work (technical or otherwise), passion for a particular subject are all good opportunities. Prepare for your interviews/assessment centers - there is nothing worse than saying the wrong thing and having it hanging over you.