IT Infrastructure Specialist Review

Supporting a cloud infrastructure environment. From the hardware including phyiscal servers and networks, to the applications and operating systems running on the cloud environment. Using monitoring services to check for system faults, and ticket support system to log customer issues before taking appropriate action to fix issues. Also developing the environment and implementing changes and improvements as the technology adapts.

Lots of new skills learnt. Designing networks and building bespoke cloud solutions. Windows domain management and design. Project management and leading team projects. Opportunities to do external training, such as PRINCE2, ITIL, Comptia Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker course. Also learning a range of coding languages and correct code practices. Also IT cyber security processes, applicable to large scale IT environments.

My day to day team is very good. They were able to support my study days and work around my education schedule. The culture within my team is good and works well for myself. The formal education can be managed around work schedule relatively easily if you keep on top of it. Support from IBM both financially and from my teams perspective has been good.

I study 1 day a week on University education, in addition to a full week each term dedicated to University. All covered and included in my IBM work schedule. Regular mentor meetings with the University and my local IBM manager. My university work mostly compliments my IBM work. I'm given ample time off to complete my studies. The university programme is structured methodically and work experienced gathered in your IBM role is taken into account in your studies.

Support from IBM dedicated manager to review University reports and evidence at the end of the year. Local role/ team support my study days and time off. Allowing me to focus on studies. Employer supports university studies financially, able to expense books if required, and allowing paid time off to complete university work.

Lectures and E-learning are held on a weekly basis. Regular checkups with a university mentor to monitor general work progress and to check there are no issues. Each module is usually completed with a written assignment at the end, which is marked and feedback given. Support via university mentor is available if needed.

Some of the Universities module content is a little behind the technology used in the IT industry, but the base content is accurate and applicable to build IT experience. I had a strong IT technical background before starting the degree, so not all the university content was relevant to my role. However specialist subjects such as IT Cyber Security definitely added value.

There are opportunities, such as sports teams and regular social events. A big event I've attended was the corporate games, a weekend event where a range of companies attend to compete in sporting events. Also multiple annual IBM foundation events where all foundation members meet and can network, whilst also attending multiple seminars throughout the day.

Yes

They supported my education and I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to complete the IBM Apprenticeship, and go on to complete a Degree Apprenticeship afterwards. They support you financially and there are a wealth of opportunities within IBM. Its still a huge company, working across all sectors. You can take advantage of the many education opportunities; paths such as the Degree / apprenticeship routes, whilst also getting funding and support for additional courses, such as Certified Ethical Hacker, Prince2, ITIL, RedHat Certifications.

Gain knowledge of the company beforehand. Have an idea of what sort of role you'd like to work in and what you'd like to do within the company. Ensure your CV is well written and spell checked. Be prepared for team tasks during the interview stages. Wear a full suit and tie to any interview.