Tom graduated from Birmingham in 2010 and joined IBM’s graduate scheme.
I work for IBM, a leading technology and consulting company, where I am a Client Executive (account manager) for a global oil and gas client. I am responsible for maintaining the relationship between IBM and the client, working with them on a number of projects, managing effective relationships and driving business development.
My time at Birmingham
“The course builds progressively at a manageable pace, encouraging group working and interaction with course mates, which resulted in lifelong friends.”
I studied BSc Geography between 2007-2010, focusing on physical geography modules, such as Hydroclimatology, Geomorphological Processes and River Processes.
The course builds progressively at a manageable pace, encouraging group working and interaction with course mates, which resulted in lifelong friends. It provided me with three memorable and enjoyable years. It also taught me the importance of written discipline and most importantly, gave me the qualifications which are a prerequisite for many graduate schemes.
It is a fantastic place to study with an infinite number of opportunities, activities and avenues to explore. It has the benefit of a dedicated student campus, with idyllic grounds, but yet you can be within UK’s second city within less than 10 minutes.
The student community is vast and there is such a range of options/activities to get immersed into.
I got involved in the Geography course society, became a Student Ambassador (providing weekly tours to prospective students) and joined the Judo club – I enjoyed them all!
My top tip for prospective Birmingham students
Have an open mind to everything on offer, get stuck in and you will get the most out of your time at Birmingham.
My aspirations for the future
I aspire to remain within my industry, gain experience and continue to progress through the company. I really enjoy helping clients achieve their business goals and overcome their challenges through the way in which we (IBM) support them. One of the fascinating parts of my role is that you become so immersed and passionate about the client you serve, you actually feel like you work for them; whether that be an oil and gas client, a consumer products company or a government agency, you have the benefit of experiencing of lots of different industries throughout your career all without changing company!