Case Study
Meet Elliot, a Technical Future placement student at IBM:
Why did you choose IBM?
I wanted to get some ‘real’ experience of working before going to university, a) so that I know what I want to do for internships during university and as a graduate afterwards b) so that is makes me a more attractive applicant – ‘first job is the hardest job to get etc’ c) IBM offers an opportunity to experience so many disciplines, SI, consultancy, sales, delivery etc.
What is your daily role?
‘Data Science & Watson AI Technical Sales’. Daily requirements to architect and solution client proposals, demonstrate software to clients, run internal and external enablement, present competitive positioning and delivering client proposals.
What has been the best bit about your placement?
Personally, presenting a custom proposal for >£1m to the executive board of FTSE100 client. There is nothing quite like the buzz of solving a problem for a client and negotiating a mutually beneficial commercial model.
What has been the most challenging aspect of placement and how did you overcome it?
Becoming comfortable in myself in front of clients. It took a little while to feel confident that I would be respected given my age. Ultimately, if you know your stuff, age is irrelevant – but I had a preconception that clients would think it was insulting for a teenager to lead a meeting.
How has your time at IBM shaped your future?
I have been able to understand what motivates me, the conditions I work best under, the skills I have – and how to apply them.
Sum up your placement with three words:
Challenging, Rewarding, Revealing. |