Starting a career is not an easy task! That's why we have developed a Graduate Program, which will help you make the transition from university into the business environment. Some of the focus areas in your professional development include:
- Client Insight and Relationship - focusing on the skills required to understand the customer's organisation, business objectives and environment
- IBM Organisation, Products and Processes - understanding about what is available to support you
- Professional Development - general skills that are needed to be successful in IBM
- Application/Building Competencies - after being exposed to the knowledge and skills required, you'll have opportunity to apply them.
It's easy: just apply online at any time during the year. We usually have three or four graduate intakes throughout the year, although we also bring graduates onboard at other times to meet business requirements.
The Program is ideal for anyone who wants to take time off after graduation to travel and gain further life experiences. As long as you graduated in the last 18 months, and you have no more than 18 months relevant work experience, you can apply for the Program.
During the application process, we'll look at your academic, technical and personal preferences to find the most appropriate business unit for your initial placement. Keep in mind that the ability to work as part of a team, drive to achieve, innovative thinking and the desire to make a difference, are as important to us as academic achievements.
Targeted training
During your first 12 months, you'll go through an induction and training program. It will include the following introductory programs:
- New Employee Orientation - an introduction to common IBM processes, corporate structure and culture as well as practical skills to enable you to get productive fast.
- Graduate Development Induction - introduction to life as an IBM Graduate.
- Your IBM Learning Continuum provides new employees with the information, tools and resources necessary to succeed at IBM.
You will also participate in monthly Professional Development Forums to further enhance your skills.
In addition you may undertake job specific training depending on your role and business unit. Some examples are:
- Global Sales School enables IBM sales professionals to develop the core, common and critical how-to-sell skills necessary to meet client needs and to win in the market place.
- Global Business Services , "Graduate Blue", technically and professionally prepares graduates to fulfil Technical Specialist type roles on client engagements.
Following induction, you'll be paired with a Connections Advisor/Buddy. He/she will help you settle into your role at IBM. You'll work with your Manager to create an 'Individual Development Plan' designed to identify and plan your career path, and also identify the professional training you'll need for your current role and future development. You will also participate in the mentoring program where you are assigned a mentor, a senior professional working at IBM, who will be available to support your professional and personal development.
You'll always know how well you're doing through regular informal and formal reviews with your manager
Coordinated by a committee of Graduates, this is a peer support network that organises social, business and sporting opportunities. It's a great way to meet other Graduates, and to give us feedback on the Program and how it is meeting your needs.
