IT DIDN’T come as a great surprise that IBM was named “employer of choice” by final-year students interested in IT in The Times Graduate Recruitment Awards 2005 last week.

The company has long been a firm favourite with university-leavers and has been one of the most consistent performers in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers league table. Even though IBM no longer hires the 800 or so graduates annually that it did in the early 1990s, it is still one of the largest and most sought-after IT recruiters.

Approximately half of its graduate vacancies are now in the business consulting services division, formed after IBM took over the consulting arm of PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2002. Consulting roles are essentially about problem-solving but this can include a wide variety of challenges, from producing IT strategies for clients or transforming their IT systems, to implementing a major change-management programme. As a result, having an IT degree is not a requirement, but a keen interest in technology and excellent communication skills are essential.

The largest business unit within IBM is the global services division, which draws on each of the company’s four main capabilities — services, hardware, software and research — to provide businesses large and small with IT solutions. Again an IT degree is not necessary for roles within the division, but good analytical skills, teamworking and initiative are crucial.

Elsewhere in the company there are more technical opportunities working in software development at IBM’s main laboratory at Hursley Park, near Winchester. This laboratory has developed much of IBM’s e-business software used by companies worldwide for electronic transactions and messaging services.

Entry standards for all of IBM’s graduate programmes are high and applicants need a minimum of three Bs at A level, a 2:1 degree and no more than two years’ relevant work experience.



NUMBER 18

What does it do?

IBM is the world’s largest information technology and consulting company, with more than 300,000 employees in 170 countries. Its turnover topped $95 billion (£50 billion) for the first time last year.

What does the company use graduates for?

There are about 200 vacancies in consulting, software development, IT, finance and sales this year, although applications for some functions have already closed.

Where are the graduate jobs?

IBM operates from more than 30 different locations across the UK.

What is the company paying graduates this year?

Up to £25,000 depending on business area and location.

What’s the competition like?

IBM received more than 20 applications per vacancy in 2004.

Martin Birchall is editor of The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with more than 15,000 final-year university students. Order the latest edition from Times Books First for only £11.99 (RRP £14.99). Call 0870 1608080 or visit www.timesonline.co.uk/booksfirstbuy

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