Michael - Dublin Technical Intern
Summer 2005

Can you tell us a little bit about you?

I'm from Warrenpoint in County Down. I recently graduated from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown and am currently working in IBM's Dublin Software Laboratory. My role is that of a Softwarer Developer, and I work in a team developing the IBM Workplace Managed Client Developer Toolkit. This is an Eclipse-based toolkit for the creation of applications for the IBM Workplace Managed Client.

Why did you apply for the Extreme Blue internship?

To be honest, I had never heard of the Extreme Blue program prior to applying! I was told that IBM was conducting aptitude tests at my college and went along solely for the experience. The nature of the program was explained and I was won over immediately. On offer was the opportunity to complete a summer internship with one of the largest firms in the world and, if nothing else, it would be a glowing addition to my CV. As it later transpired, the Extreme Blue program provided a stepping-stone to gaining a full-time position within IBM, which I was only too happy to accept.

How do you think your background and experience prepared you for the internship?

Although it may sound contrived, the most valuable experience I gained previous to the program was that of working as part of a team. It is quite daunting to find yourself thrown into a team with three strangers and be told that you have 12 weeks to complete a project together!

What have you learned from your Extreme Blue experience?

Where do I begin?! First and foremost, I developed greatly in terms of technical experience. New concepts and technologies were being introduced virtually on a daily basis and at times I must admit it was quite a challenge to keep up the pace. For example, our project was based upon Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which was an entirely foreign concept at the beginning. However, 12 weeks later we had constructed our very own RFID Infrastructure that was demonstrated live in front of over 200 expo-attendees.

My self-confidence increased greatly during the program. I attributed this to the fact that I was treated as a normal member of staff – and not just an intern there for a short period of time. At no point was I ever asked to make coffee.

Is there anything about the Extreme Blue program that surprised you?

Above all else, the most surprising part of the program was the high level of support made available to us. Having been told on the first day that the program was ‘extremely’ important to IBM, it was easy to suspect that this was little more than a harmless platitude. However, as the 12 weeks progressed it became quite evident that there was a great desire in all I encountered to be a contributing factor in the success of our project. To say the amount of help given to us was substantial would be a gross understatement.
Additionally, I was amazed at the amount of coverage the program attracted. On a weekly basis we were presenting our project to visiting senior IBM executives from all over the world. In the final week of the program, we presented to a Europe-wide audience, which was reported on by both the local and European press.

Would you recommend the program to other students and why?

Quite simply, a resounding yes! The Extreme Blue program offers you the chance to learn from those who have been working at the forefront of technology for years. The projects on offer are different from anything that you are likely to have encountered at college and I say with confidence that having completed the program, you will stand out from the crowd when applying for any position.

Lastly, it is very rewarding to present what you have achieved during the program to such a large audience, which is a wonderful experience. For me, this occurred at the European Expo in Dublin, although this is held in a different European city each year.

Is there something you wish you had known ahead of time? What other advice can you offer future interviewees?

Prior to my interview I had researched the IBM Extreme Blue website and found there was a wealth of information available on the program, so I wouldn’t really say that there was anything I wish I had known in advance.

In terms of advice to others, I would say that if you are called for an interview, they are obviously interested in hiring you. Personally, I found that the interview process itself was very relaxed and more akin to a discussion. Obviously, it is wise to do some preparation before the aptitude test, but don’t expect to be asked anything too taxing in the interview.