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29/10/2024

A day in the life of a trainee at IBM iX

People Blog article

Authors: Alba Agüera & Tatevik Avetisyan

Two trainees sitting on a bench.

Last April, we had the privilege to be part of the IBM iX traineeship – an intensive 12-month junior development program designed to enhance your skills through comprehensive training and knowledge exchange. Wondering what it is like to be an IBM iX trainee in Berlin? Let us take you behind the scenes of one of our busiest days – Wednesday.

Our journey at IBM iX began with an engaging roundtable that brought together 15 trainees from diverse professions and clusters. Tatev and myself were taking on different roles as trainees within the same team — Tatev focusing on copywriting and Alba on visual design. Once the whirlwind of onboarding eased into routine, the real opportunities ahead came into focus. Reflecting on our first few months here, packed with courses, events, and megaprojects, it is already proving to be a positive experience!

A typical Wednesday

9:00 a.m. – To get in, arrive at the Office with your ID badge in hand.

9:30 a.m.  – Grab a coffee and head to your team area.

9:45 a.m.  – Calendar alignment: Send reminders, emails, and Slack messages.

10:45 a.m.  – “Let’s start the day” meeting – what is on agenda?

11:30 a.m.  – Concept briefing: Draft copy/design for the deck. Hop on a quick huddle to discuss the project kick-off.

12:00 p.m.  – In our bi-weekly team meeting, colleagues showcase their key projects

1:00 p.m.  – Lunch break with colleagues – always a chance to connect with your teammates.

2:00 p.m.  – Internal project content alignment, and check-ins with your mentor.

4:30 p.m.  – Gen AI project brainstorming session

5:30 p.m.  – Wrap up: Tidy the desk, upload client files and log hours to close the day!

5:45 p.m. – Afterwork drinks with the team!

What you can learn

Alba: My path as a visual designer began with comprehensive onboarding and professional courses that provided a solid foundation for my journey. From delving into the legacy of IBM’s design principles to mastering cutting-edge tools like AI, I quickly found my stride by contributing to major projects alongside talented colleagues who helped me refine and expand my skills. My advice for thriving in a team like ours? Make the most of the wealth of resources and the brilliant people around you— collaboration is essential. Whether you’re learning a new tool or navigating a complex design challenge, don’t hesitate to reach out, share ideas, and grow together.

Tatev: Before I knew it, I was deep in content brainstorming and making things happen with the team. It all started with a few small copy tweaks, then grew into bigger pieces. It did not take long to realize that most answers are not found on paper but in conversation with colleagues, especially your mentors. Ask questions–do not be shy to throw in one more. Word of mouth is how we learn, and a traineeship is all about chasing down tasks, feedback and advice, then turning that into something solid.

”The experience is practical and immersive; you immediately get involved and learn by doing. I did not expect to learn so much in this short duration.”
Laura Nelson-Homiah
Trainee Visual Design

Community & Team Culture

Tatev: What truly stands out is the vibrant team culture and dynamic office environment. Events like Creative Thursdays and monthly community bashes are a melting pot for celebrating wins, sharing stories, and getting a real feel for how the agency operates. But brace yourself–one day, you will be the one stepping up to present your own deck in front of the team. These sessions are not just for practice; they are the perfect warm-up for the big client pitches and learning how to tell the company’s story to a wider audience. With high-profile projects (which we sadly cannot name, but you know them) landing on your calendar, each day brings that extra spark* of excitement.

Alba: One of the most valuable aspects of the traineeship has been the community events and creative gatherings. These opportunities allow you to share ideas with colleagues and discover the latest tools to enhance your knowledge. If you are eager to learn more, you can always join interest groups were members exchange insights and knowledge. It is all about community and the exchange of fresh ideas, creating an amazing network full of enriching events.

A standout feature of our traineeship program is the extensive support it offers. Imagine having experienced mentors guiding you every step of the way and a trainee circle to share and learn from. Every month, all trainees come together to exchange experiences, participate in engaging events, and dive into activities tailored to address your questions and offer valuable insights for your success. You will always be surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed, ensuring you are never alone in the process!

“Stay curious and proactive. View challenges as chances to learn, seek feedback, and above all, have fun!”
Karla Schulze
Trainee Project Lead, C&I Cluster

Working for an IBM Company

Tatev: The company’s legacy? It’s impressive how much history and innovation you uncover with every project. Plus, the sense of community shines through, whether at creative meetups or the 500-strong IBM iX check-ins. Writing about our products has given me a whole new appreciation for the cutting-edge work IBM iX is doing with gen AI.

Alba: As trainees entering the IBM iX community, we are witnessing this evolution firsthand! The collaborative spirit is palpable, from insightful workshops to expansive team gatherings. Delving into our technologies has deepened my appreciation for the groundbreaking advances we are driving in digital solutions.

“The importance of seizing opportunities to try new things. I have been able to discover what I genuinely enjoy about my role and gain clarity on the direction I want my career to take.”
Sandra Klopp
Trainee Marketing & Communications

What is next for us?

Tatev: We are about to begin our exchange weeks, diving into different professions and gaining hands-on, well-rounded insights into our own. The reason, you might ask–it is all about gearing us up for our junior roles and we are already halfway through the journey.

Alba: The traineeship provides a structured experience with dedicated mentors and leads, offering continuous feedback and learning opportunities. For those looking to explore new career paths or broaden their skills, exchange weeks allow you to receive mentorship in different disciplines. This prepares us for future junior roles and helps us navigate potential career advancements.

Slack chat between two trainees

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Traineeship@ IBM iX

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