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University: Stanford University/Morehouse College, USA / The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Degree subject: MA – Global Media
Insider Tip: Be yourself

• Why did you apply to IBM?

  I joined IBM because I was looking to get my teeth into a role that would help me focus on Business and Technology at a global level.

• What did you do after you graduated?

  After completing my Bachelors degree, I actually moved around a bit and worked in Washington DC for a law firm. I then travelled to China for two years. After that I moved back to do my Masters, after which I started with IBM.

• What is your role?

  I joined IBM as a Business Development Specialist, which had me working across a number of accounts within the Strategic Outsourcing line of business looking at how I can improve our clients’ business. One of the great things I enjoy about my job at IBM is the flexibility they give to their employees, I’m doing sales at the moment, and I can move into something else as and when I please. They also have the training to support me to do that.

• What training & development have you received?

  My training and development has been really flexible. I have been able to build on the soft skills such as leadership and emotional intelligence to make me a better person, but on the other hand it’s also allowed me to build on the specific skills that are directly related to what I do. So for example, I want to focus on sales as my short to mid term goal, and I have been able to attend IBM’s Global Sales school programme. It is really living up to the hype and supporting me in that goal.

• What do you get involved in outside your day to day job?

  At IBM I get involved in what we call Giveback activities. These are activities that are not directly linked to the business but can support IBM or the world at large. For example, I climbed Mount Snowdon in 2006 with about 8 other graduates to raise money for farmers in Africa. In addition I’ve also done some activities to look at how we can support the learning of graduates, by having ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions, which is an hour long phone call which graduates dial in to so they can understand a different element of IBM’s business that they may not have exposure to otherwise.

• What would you highlight about IBM’s culture?

  The part of IBM’s culture I’d highlight to another graduate thinking of joining really is the flexibility they afford their employees. Whether it’s training to develop yourself or the ability to work from home or in the office or from a customer location, it’s all very flexible towards the individual to make it the most efficient way of working for you. That’s probably the one selling point I like at IBM.

• Why have you stayed with IBM?

  My reason for staying at IBM is that I think it’s still challenging me. I would consider leaving if I wasn’t being challenged enough and felt as if I had gone as far as I could go within the company. Everyday I’m learning new things and able to try new things. Whilst I’m still challenged I don’t think I’m tired yet, so I’ll stay.