So I've had a FANTASTIC two weeks with IBM so far but the work is starting to pile up... But it's still an incredible experience, instead of watching some horrific mid-week day-time T.V i.e Jeremy Kyle, I'm getting to meet with companies like Dolce and (try to) set-up negotiations with various suppliers.The first few days in the office were spent being introduced to various IBMers and getting everything set up.Then we were introduced to our various teams. Even though Graham and I are both in procurement our teams are surprisingly unrelated. However we have been teamed up with a project concerning energy efficiency agencies. This is a relatively young field to be investigating, it is of course fascinating as it's hot topic for business' in the modern day market. At the moment we're making great progress with this. So much so that our project manager has decided we should do a side project on top of this...For our individual work I have 5 projects under the global travel procurement team. Each one is extremely interesting and they are all challenging. I'll just give a brief summary of each: 1) Hotel Negotiations - I can only give unspecific detail partly because of confidentiality partly because I'm sure you don't really want to be bored with detail. Basically I've been given the chance to negotiate with Hotels for contract rates for use of their facilities such as conference rooms etc. This is quite a challenge as I've never negotiated before with any suppliers let alone big hitters like Hilton. Even though it's difficult as it's a solo project everyone's so approachable I can ask for help if I need to. 2)Comparison Analysis - Again not too much detail but basically I'm investigating two competing software companies and have to make a business case for which one I would recommend. This can be quite tricky as I'm still familiarising myself with all the terms and the acronyms that all IBMers love to use... 3)Discounts - Looking into problems currently being experienced with discount rates from various companies. 4 & 5) These projects are loosely to do with creating comparison tools that IBM can use. The great thing about this internship (I'm not sure if it's just IBM or not) is that even if you're meant to be in one area they give you freedom to work with and experience other areas of the company. An example of this is that the Global Sourcing Manager (Hobbs) for the Marketing and Communications department has offered to give me experience in this area by doing a project for him. Again a fantastic opportunity to get some more exposure to different parts of IBM. This freedom to maneuver between departments and the willingness of people to enlighten you on any part of the business means this will truly be an invaluable experience. Possibly what has impressed me the most has been the openness and friendliness everyone at the company has shown so far. Each IBMer we've met has given us such a warm welcome and is so friendly and always there to help if it's ever needed. Apart from that the social aspect of this internship has also been incredible. As there's a basketball court, tennis court, pool and gym at our hotel we've never been short of things to do after work. It also helps working off the monstrosities that Americans call portions of food. Also we've gone with other IBMers for dinner and sometimes go to the cinema (INCEPTION - indescribably amazing, a must see!)... We've also been going into New York City and going again this weekend to watch a 'soccer' (getting used to saying that, as of course american's have their own football...even though you mainly use your hands...?!) tournament. Matthew, Chris, Graeme and Clair were kind enough to host us while we were over. After some smashed glasses some from my attempted tricks, some form Claire's toast -FAIlL we managed to catch a night in at a comedy club... well some of us.
NYC is obviously amazing- with towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, a torrent of yellow cabs and a mind-blowing diversity seen in everything be it people, shops, food or art. What it has to offer is almost limitless, if you're looking for any kind of commodity/person/experience you're bound to find it somewhere in the big apple. Extortionately expensive... but unforgettable.