Rating

9.1/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Day to day role I manage commercial portfolios for a range of clients, from industrial sector to media and advertising. I am responsible for end to end commercial processes and ensuring IBM are compliant with our own T&C's and those in the contracts whilst working with the clients to ensure a smooth transaction of monies.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Yes, Teamworking skills, Leadership, Time Management, Technical skills like the use of pricing tools, forecasting and time recording systems. I have had the chance to go on multiple training courses including Prince2 for Project Management skill enhancement and Behavioural Science courses specific to leadership approaches, Agile methodology and other ways of working in today's business climate.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • The variety has been key for me. Having the opportunity to work with different people from across the globe, and learn to connect and understand how everyone works different, whilst also being within a fun, friendly but professional atmosphere has been essential. Being able to move between roles and jobs within my apprenticeship gives a wide range of experiences and opportunities to grow.

    9/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I would say its very structured. From Induction, to training courses with other apprentices, and support networks to help you find roles, have an idea as to what your goals should be and how to kick start your career. The support to manage the studying alongside work and encouragement to keep a good work life balance has all been there from the start for me.

    10/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • As much as I have ever needed. Personally I don't think I have needed as much as others like as I am quite confident and self persevering individual but never have I felt like the support isn't there if I don't want it. Even just for quick 5 minute connect with my manager, or any guidance to problems with other individuals or managers.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • Similar to the above, IBM is also the training provider so it flows into one. Certainly the response time is quick when unsure about tasks or what is require of me and I think that has been a benefit of not having a separate training provider as they also understand the business needs and other challenges we face.

    9/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • I feel that everyone comes into their apprenticeship with varying levels of confidence and skills to perform their day roles. I think much of the training I have received I use on a day to day basis without realising and if I went back to the start would find I have a much better skillset to do my role than I would have expected to achieve by the end.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • Yes, plenty. Covid has obviously made it slightly harder but before covid there are socials, sports teams, drinks and other clubs with many professional networking events like team drinks, pub quizzes and christmas parties alongside celebrating particular wins for your team. I have made a great bunch of friends and built my network on my apprenticeship.

    9/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I think the all round experience, work place environment and skills to be obtained have been worthwhile and are worth of recommendation. The people, culture and ethos makes it an enjoyable place to work and be involved and I think the opportunities to do different things and develop your career are great.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
  • I would say don't be afraid to put yourself out there, get stuck in, and it doesn't matter if you don't have any previous experience in something. Put your hand up and say you would like to help and that way you will learn and build your skills, network and find something you enjoy. What you put in is what you get out.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Finance

Guildford, Surrey

April 2021


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