Unfortunately we've had a bit of a problem with our hotel internet so by the time I post this it may be slightly outdated...

Another week in the States and the halfway mark is fast approaching. My week has been filled with a mixture of meetings, negotiations, teleconferences, spreadsheets and discussions interspersed with some rounds of minigolf between Graham and I for the coveted IBMGA - minigolf Trophy (which will probably just constitue a free pint). In this championship I am of course the favorite as Graham lacks the patience and concentration required which is exacerbated by his lack of co-ordination. However I let him win a few rounds, just to give the poor guy a break...

So far negotiations haven't picked up the intensity that they inevitably and are currently at the stage of feeling the other side out trying to spot any weakness or opportunity in their reasoning. To facilitate this I'm continually trying to find and do new market research on the products/services IBM would like to negotiate over. I'm still coming to terms with the spend I'm dealing with, as it's of course a whole different ball game to haggling with my flatmates over a service charge for picking up that weeks shopping list...

I've also had a demo from one of the companies with the software I need to make a business case for. The hardest part was assessing IBM's needs in this market and evaluating if this software could provide solutions, however my sourcing manager sat in on the demo so I knew there was a safety net if needed. In a minority of cases when these companies find out you're an intern it can become quite difficult as they dont always take your input as seriously. The best way I've found to overcome this is from the start you need to know exactly what you're talking about and constantly give input throughout the meeting. Once they realise you are in fact well informed and can hold your ground the respect automatically follows.

The other projects are also coming along swimmingly. Initially I felt a bit awkward having to send e-mails and call people to chase them up on information I needed, especially as most of the time these people are senior to me by a considerable number of years. However after a few tentative attempts I realised it's just part of how business works, now firing off an e-mail or calling someone to enforce a deadline is second nature to me. In my 3 weeks here I have learnt more about business and gained more insight than I could have hoped to have achieved in even a year at University.

The opportunities to network here are endless people constantly say you should 'reach-out' if ever you need anything. I believe the relationships I've built up this far will definitely be long lasting ones. From one of my contacts here I've been able to find out about a fantastic programme IBM runs for graduates. As things stand I believe I will definitely try and gain a place once I graduate. Competition is tough with only 12 places available globally, however, with the experience and skills I've gained here I'm hoping to have the edge...

Over the weekend we hired a car and drove up to Boston - a completely different experience to NYC. You almost feel like you're in a European city again (once you pass the maze of intersections and freeways coming into the Boston). We met a few of the Saltire interns based there and managed to catch a spot of dinner as well as some sightseeing. Harvard is of course a must see and there are various tours by the harbor which can be informative as well as adventurous. Boston has a lot to offer, however, I don't think any city I've seen, so far, can match New York...