Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
View from the Top: IBM.
IBM has its origins in supplying the first tabulating and recording machines of the late nineteenth century. It is however its legendary focus on the needs of corporate customers that has kept it at the forefront of both technological change and business innovation for over a century. It's greatest period of difficulty was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the very success of its own Personal Computer (the PC) fractured its corporate market and threatened to cause a break up of the company. However, the return of integrated systems and the rise of the internet has placed the company back at the forefront of the e-business revolution.
IBM has its origins in supplying the first tabulating and recording machines of the late nineteenth century. It is however its legendary focus on the needs of corporate customers that has kept it at the forefront of both technological change and business innovation for over a century. It's greatest period of difficulty was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the very success of its own Personal Computer (the PC) fractured its corporate market and threatened to cause a break up of the company. However, the return of integrated systems and the rise of the internet has placed the company back at the forefront of the e-business revolution.
"Having IBM on your CV shows you have worked for a Blue Chip company but also that you will have had world-class training"
“We live in a competitive world and top talent has choices,” says Sej Butler, IBM's European Recruitment Manager. “We strive to make sure that IBM is seen as the best choice for people with talent to develop themselves and their careers – whether as a new hire or as someone looking at options part way through his or her career. Having IBM on your CV not only shows you have worked for a Blue Chip company that is a recognised leader in its field, but also that you will have had world-class training and development. This will lead to many opportunities both within IBM and outside as your career develops. Even those that stay within the company do not necessarily stick to the same role over the years. Horizontal progression is as much valued and sought after as is vertical progression. This is just not possible in niche providers, and it is this breadth that enables much personal development and challenge over an individual’s career.”
IBM recruits significant numbers of graduates throughout the world and is currently investing its largest hiring efforts in its growth markets of India, China, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. However, it continues to recruit large numbers in the major markets of Europe, USA, Canada, Japan etcetera. Some of these hires are into general entry positions such as consulting, technology, sales, and software, but the company also recruits into specialist areas such as R&D and into its support organisations.
While PhD or MBA holders with experience can enter into mid-level jobs which require specialist knowledge, Masters or Bachelor degree holders are most likely to start on a two-year Foundation Programme in a business unit while retaining close links to the company's graduate community for their training and development.
“Those who go directly from a first degree to a second-level postgraduate qualification will not normally be able to enter into an experienced-hire position,” says Sej Butler. “Rarely will they have sufficient knowledge and experience to fill these roles. However, it will sometimes give them an edge against those with a straight first degree when in competition for entry-level graduate positions.
When you are entering a tough job market, you need to be very clear about your career objectives
“When you are entering a tough job market, you need to be very clear about your career objectives: why you you applying for this job and what will give the company the confidence that you are the right person for the position. IBM does not view a graduate hire as a short-term decision; we make graduate hires for the long-term benefit of IBM, its employees and its clients. You need to do the research before you go to visit: what we do; what we're famous for; what we've been in the news for recently; the role you are applying for; how you are a good fit. These are all areas you can research before you go.
