I hope things will go good for a year
19 replies (most recent on top)
IBM will look good on a resume if you're young. People will assume/know you're smart. I was there 2 years, had a decent time, got paid well, and moved on. Work hard, learn what it feels like to work for a MASSIVE company, and know that the next place you work will be 10x easier to make stuff happen.
@4kec what makes you say so
You won't have 2 years with GBS/IBM.... GBS is about to be sold off. Now, I am not saying that you will be out of a job, most likely not especially is you just started. But, you won't be with IBM very long.
2 years in gbs is ok. dont stay longer. maybe 3, tops
I think you've done a good move - GBS for 2 years will not hurt any resource - you'll learn and you'll grow. It gets uglier once you hit year 3, 4, etc... My son's trying to do the same thing and I encourage him - I do always remind him about Year 3, 4, etc.
GTS got bonuses recently, but also had massive RA's.
Split personality I guess.
Just make sure you gather as many transportable experiences as you can is my advice. If later IBM decided your services are no longer required, you have some more skills on your resume to take to your next gig. I say 'gig' because I feel that's the way work is heading there days - short spells of work in a variety of different organizations on an 'as required' basis. People will 'be on the books and be called whenever they need a piece of work done. If you're available, you get a shot at that 'gig' if the price is right.
Why on earth did you choose IBM? Was that really your only option? If so, thats sad.
New people in GBS might have a future after GBS is spun off. So hang on, it will be a bumpy ride but you might be OK.
The reason IBM is hiring is because they are laying off in mass older workers in preparation of selling off GBS/GTS. They can't sell off the division if it has no workers, but IBM wants workers that are cheap. That looks better on paper. Skills are irrelevant for IBM.
@1pkw speaks wisely. I'd echo every single point he/she noted - I left GBS in March after 11 years - good luck, you'll be fine.
You will see a lot of change in the next 2 years so don’t get too comfortable, but find ways to be valuable. Your priorities in the next 6 months should be:
1) Build a good relationship with your client and stay BILLABLE as much as you can. You will be thankful when your friends on Watson and blockchain projects are in trouble.
2) Get an AWS, Azure, or GCP certification. This is the single biggest investment in your career that you can make right now.
Network with the Partners and VPs of the huge accounts and try to only work with F250 clients if you can, but never turn down billable projects. If you’re doing proposals, your priority is getting billable first then using proposals to bide your time.
There are a lot of malcontents at IBM for valid reasons. But stay as far away from openly malcontents as you can.
Hello all - I am the OP - I've started as an Entry Level Business Consultant (in GBS Commercial Sector - West Coast). There were several of us who started at the same time - folks were starting in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, New York... I think someone started in Chicago as well... All for the same Group/Sector... Really hope to get two years of experience as a business consultant, everything on top of that would be a bonus. I know that the company has issues but keeping my fingers crossed...
Hah!
Welcome. Which division? I know my section of GBS is hiring. We are in a change period but I finally see real thought leadership coming out and “groupthink” reduced. I see 2019 as positive for us.
What division is even hiring at IBM now.
I work in GBS/GTS and my team was told NO new hires to fill any position due to a hiring freeze.
Is this an intern or supplemental contract position by chance?
Day one, start on your exit strategy... Day two, you should hear from recruiters... Give it a bit of time, say a month or two, you should land a good job... Best of luck...
A year is about right. You can learn the good that's left, how to avoid the bad that's pervasive, and then quit and get a better job somewhere else. Just go in with eyes open - this is not a career, it's a place to build a resume and exit quickly.
If you just started, I have no doubt you should be fine for at least a year. Just curious in what role/division you started? If you don't mind sharing.