I filled in the template CV (careful, as they disabled autocorrect!) and received an invitation to complete an online test (IPAT) two days later. These tests were fairly challenging, but I was told I was successful a day later. I was invited to an assessment centre in Hursley. I had to arrive at 8:05 AM (!!) and wasn't offered reimbursement for accommodation, despite needing to travel over 100 miles. However, all travel was reimbursed about a month after the assessment centre. I was also asked to prepare a 15-minute presentation.

On the day, we were greeted by two current placement students who were really helpful and friendly. They were there simply to make us feel comfortable, not to assess us.

I had:

• A business interview
• Group tasks
• Presented my presentation and was asked questions afterwards.

I was successful and shortly had a telephone "matching interview" with a prospective new manager, which was very similar to the previous interview. I was successful again and about two weeks later, I received my offer.

When asked who IBM's competitors are, it's difficult because no company has its fingers in so many pies. Generally, the answer is that it depends on which industry you are talking about.