International Business Machines (IBM) (NYSE: IBM) is a multinational technology and consulting firm headquartered in Armonk, New York. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology.
The company was founded in 1911 as the Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation through a merger of four companies: the Tabulating Machine Company, the International Time Recording Company, the Computing Scale Corporation, and the Bundy Manufacturing Company. CTR adopted the name International Business Machines in 1924, using a name previously designated to CTR's subsidiary in Canada and later South America. Its distinctive culture and product branding has given it the nickname Big Blue.
In 2011, Fortune ranked IBM the 18th largest firm in the U.S., as well as the 7th most profitable. Globally, the company was ranked the 31st largest firm by Forbes for 2011. Other rankings for 2011 include #1 company for leaders (Fortune), #2 best global brand (Interbrand), #1 green company worldwide (Newsweek), #12 most admired company (Fortune), and #18 most innovative company (Fast Company). IBM employs more than 425,000 employees (sometimes referred to as "IBMers") in over 200 countries, with occupations including scientists, engineers, consultants, and sales professionals.
The company has undergone several organizational changes since its inception, acquiring companies like SPSS (2009) and PwC consulting (2002), spinning off companies like Lexmark (1991), and selling off product lines like ThinkPad to Lenovo (2005).
The IBM graduate scheme:
Well, firstly we offer exceptional training and development. Whether its business or personal skills training you'll be able to draw on a huge variety of courses that we offer, from classroom learning to e-learning. You'll work in friendly environment with talented colleagues. Given the size and scale of our business you'll experience huge variety in the work that you'll get involved with and you'll work with a range of clients across all types of business. We'll also give you flexibility - our focus is on delivery and not so much when and where you work. And you'll be part of a huge undergraduate and graduate community which will give you immense support to help you settle in and build a great network.
What you need:
People at IBM stand out for their imagination, adaptability, drive, teamwork, boundless energy and passion for their area of expertise. You can come from any degree background, providing you are expecting at least a 2:1.
