Grow With IBM
The most interesting and fun aspect of the ITMB degree is that you are able to network with employers. During the start of my ITMB journey I was encouraged by teachers to take up the opportunities that the ITMB degree throws at me. In particular we were given information on how we could develop our network. Therefore I became very excited for my first ITMB event, ‘Grow With IBM’, which was hosted by IBM. The aim of the event was to encourage women to pursuit a career in technology and show how women are progressing in IBM.
I really enjoyed every aspect of the day. In the beginning we were able to network with students who are also doing the ITMB degree. It surprised me to see how many students there were from various different universalities around the UK. It goes to show how other universities are also seeing the benefits of the ITMB degree and I believe that in the future a lot more students will take up the ITMB degree.
Throughout the day we had presentations from different people within IBM. They focused on their experience within IBM and how IBM has helped them develop their career. Every person that gave a speech generally sounded like they loved working for IBM. We were accompanied by IBM gradues who talked about their experience and why they choose to work for IBM. This part of the day was sort of informal and we were able to ask questions freely.
There were lots of opportunities for us to network with people who work at IBM. We spent a couple of hours on speed networking where you were able to find out about different roles that you’re able to do in IBM. This was really helpful because the employees were able to give us advise on what we should do if we wanted to pursuit that career. This was informal and we were able to ask questions whenever we wanted. Then near the end of the day there was a session where we were able to network with other students and others who also work at IBM.
The thing I love the most about IBM was that people are encouraged to be themselves and embrace their diversity. The atmosphere was welcoming and friendly which was different from my expectation. I would love to work for IBM and be part of an amazing company. I think that by just going to a networking event like this makes you more motivated to work hard at university. I would really encourage other students to attend every networking event that ITMB hold. It’s such a good way of getting to know the employer and you learn how to talk in a professional manner.
