My work experience placement with IBM UK
I started university on an art course, but soon switched to IT, because I didn’t really like the content of the course I was on. I also thought there’d be more money in IT! As part of my new course, I had to do a work experience placement, which I arranged with some help from my university’s placement office. I applied to several of the larger IT companies, but took the first position I was offered, which was with IBM.
My role was mainly web development and Java coding. My degree wasn’t development heavy, although there was a programming element in there, so I learned a lot more about coding on my placement than at university. It was daunting going to a big company but my team was great, which really helped. They were very supportive, knew what work to offer me and made sure I had things to do.
Getting help with applications and interviews for a permanent job
Get to know people at your placement employer as it will help if you want a permanent role. I got all the help I could with applications and interviews from my team leader. I also worked longer hours and took on extra responsibility to gain more and broader experience by giving all the time that I could.
Even if you don’t use your placement to get a foot in the door with a particular company, it’s still really useful to get a perspective of what it’s really like working in IT. It’s totally different to learning the theory at university.
Marion Ballard graduated from the University of Bournemouth with a BSc in business IT. Following a work experience placement at IBM UK, she joined the company in a permanent graduate role. She is now an IT specialist.