David - Dublin Technical Intern Summer 2006

Can you tell us a little bit about you? (where are you from? what did you study? final year project, etc?)
I am from Bandon, Co. Cork. I went to college in University College Cork and studied Computer Science. This is a four-year degree normally with six months work placement at the end of third year. I extended my work placement to twelve months and so took a year out of college before final year.
My final year project was a web based survey creator which allowed non computer/web programmers to create attractive on line surveys using an intuitive interface without any knowledge of the back-end implementation. The required database tables were automatically created and real time reports and statistics were made available to the users. The project was created using J2EE technology and a mySQL database.

Why did you apply for the Extreme Blue internship?
My first time hearing about Extreme Blue was when IBM visited college at the beginning of final year. While there, IBM conducted an aptitude and Java testing session for anyone interested. I went along and didn't think anymore of it. (we were quite busy with final year at the time.) I must have done okay in the tests as I got called for an interview. IBM is a leading technology company with a huge reputation and the Extreme Blue program gives students the opportunity to work with new technology on interesting projects. I felt that this would be good experience and would look good on my CV too.

How do you think your background and experience prepared you for the internship?
The Extreme Blue teams are made up of technical and business students so obviously you need to have a technical or business background. IBM is looking for creative, innovative people of a high standard in their chosen discipline. During the program, students work as part of a team and need to present their work in front of others so experience working in teams and public speaking be it drama, debating, singing, whatever certainly helps but isn't necessary as there will be plenty practise.

What have you learned from your Extreme Blue experience?
As part of Extreme Blue we had a very definite deadline in which to complete our project. We presented weekly on our progress and had a final Expo in Dublin and Nice. This helps prepare students for the future where deadlines are a feature of everyday life and where the ability to demonstrate and present the work you do to others is often as important as the work itself. I've learned new ideas and new ways to work by working with intelligent people like the other students and the professionals within IBM on a daily basis.

Is there anything about the Extreme Blue program that surprised you?
I was surprised by how much recognition Extreme Blue gets within IBM. I know it is advertised as such on the web and even at interviews but I have to admit I thought that it was largely propaganda. After all Extreme Blue interns are just out of college with little or no real experience and IBMers are established members of and contributors to the world's largest intellectual property holder. IBM is true to their words. Extreme Blue gets a lot of attention from management and executives and the teams get as much help and support as they need.

Would you recommend the program to other students and why?
Yes. Extreme Blue is a good experience. You do get to work for a major company. If you are interested in full time employment with IBM doing Extreme Blue is a good stepping stone. If you are going on to further education Extreme Blue is something to do for the Summer and it will count as real world experience when you are looking for a job after your Masters or PhD.
Its also good fun socially. There are a number of teams so that means that there is a large group of students (twenty this year) all similar ages with similar interests who tend to get on well at work and go out together too. It is probably the last chance after college to be one of the lads.

Is there something you wish you had known ahead of time? What other advice can you offer future interviewees?
I would advise future or potential interviewees not to underestimate themselves. Come to the interviews and be confident and sell yourself. IBM is not just looking for 100% A students. They are looking at the whole package, your personality as well as your academic ability.