I thought I would use my first blog to talk about my experience of gaining my placement – I had just started 2nd year so I was ready to start looking for placements. AMBS were really supportive and the placement bulletin was helpful in advertising placement schemes and this is actually how I found out about IBM.
I registered my interest with the IBM Business Placement Scheme and I was soon invited to complete an online aptitude test (IPAT) designed to test numerical reasoning. I found the test challenging but I felt prepared as I had done research on the nature of the test and I was able to utilise the mathematical/problem-solving skills that I have learnt at university.
I soon received confirmation that I had passed the IPAT test and I was invited to the next round – application form and video interview which was extremely nerve wracking! The best advice that I could give is to be confident – ensure to highlight the skills you already possess, your past work experiences and emphasise your passion to learn and gain a placement.
The penultimate stage soon came around – the assessment centre. In total the day lasted around 3 hours and involved 3 stages: I had to prepare a short presentation about myself and 2 group activities. The best advice I could give is to make sure to research the company and the type of role you are applying for; employers really value when you can show your understanding and how you would be the best candidate for them. Feeling like you're under scrutiny can be really daunting but it's important to try and relax so you can be the best version of yourself on the day. AMBS offers mock assessment centres which are really helpful in creating an interview environment which can really help settle any nerves and offer the opportunity to try out your interview answers.
Amazingly I found out the very next day I had passed the assessment centre! I had my final interview the following week over the telephone for a role in resource and project management which turned out to be a perfect fit for me. Fast forward a year and a half later and now I am finishing my 8th month at IBM which has been one of the best experiences of my life!
