I applied online via the IBM system.

The first stage was an online test (IPAT), which was pretty tough compared to others. Once I passed, I was invited to an assessment centre at IBM Hursley.

The assessment day was surprisingly enjoyable.

It started with a confirmatory test that assessed whether I had the correct reasoning and logic skills to be a Software Developer. Next was a short presentation on "What technology means to me." The presentation was to one person, with the presenter and presentee seated, so it was very relaxed. A one-to-one interview was next – again, very relaxed and pleasant.

A role-play exercise (individual) finished the morning (something about recommending a sales system and ongoing support for a pet accessory company).

The afternoon consisted of group exercises and were much tougher, as much because of the nature of group exercises as anything. I also suspect that some of the problems were unsolvable and designed to see how you work in a team under pressure. The exercises were:

• A negotiation task
• A team-working task
• A group interview where our responses were individual but had to expand on others' answers.

I really enjoyed the day, and it was made clear early on that the dozen or so candidates were not competing against each other. As such, the candidates on my day were a great group, and everyone seemed to get on great.

Unfortunately, I passed the assessment centre, but IBM had no software development roles in a location that suited me. I was very impressed with IBM and their operations though.

What issues would arise if IBM bought a smaller software company, in integrating the assets and employees?