What is it?
The aim of this scheme is to increase awareness of employability, the recruitment process, key competencies employers are looking for and advice/tips for securing a placement or graduate scheme position. The mentors will either be currently on the IBM placement scheme or will have joined as a graduate and will be encouraged to share their own experiences with their mentees.
The scheme is not about encouraging you to join IBM but will give you valuable skills to apply successfully to any organisation.
Who is it for?
First-year students looking to do a placement as part of their degree or second year students considering life after University.
You can be studying for any degree subject and don’t need to have advanced computing skills.
Why?
IBM is keen to encourage undergraduates to begin considering their careers sooner. We want to make students aware of how competitive today’s job market is and give them guidance on how best to promote themselves. This will give them the best chance of applying not just to our schemes but other employers’ too.
The scheme also provides students with a fantastic chance to improve and enhance their skillsets before they begin applying. It’s also the perfect opportunity for our existing graduates from the University to give something back to the community. With mentors from a variety of backgrounds and degrees volunteering as part of this project, there are plenty of stories to share.
How will it work?
It will be a virtual mentoring scheme whereby the majority of contact with students is either via email, telephone or by Skype. Mentoring is a relationship, and communication between mentors and mentees is key.
Students who are selected will be encouraged to manage their relationship with their mentor, and use the time available to get the most they can from the scheme. Below are suggested activities that we would encourage you to work through with your Mentor, but you should feel free to adjust this with your Mentor if you have specific goals in mind.
When will it run?
The scheme will run between November and April to ensure students get the best advice in time for the application process, as students are increasingly encouraged to start the process over the summer, without being disruptive to their exams.
How do I apply?
Download the application form here
Submit your application to Bruce Woodcock with a copy of your CV
The students with the best answers will be selected to take part in the scheme.
The deadline for applications this year is Wednesday 22nd November, 2017