The company
IBM Global Services (comprised of IBM GBS – Global Business Services, and IBM GTS – Global Technology Services) is the largest division of IBM. The “Big Blue” (until recently the biggest IT company in the world) began changing focus in 21st century from hardware to services. It acquired PricewaterhouseCoopers’ consulting business in 2002 and thus doubled the number of IBM GBS employees to 60,000. In 2004 the revenue of services rose to almost 50% of IBM’s revenue. This percentage is destined to rise further, as IBM sold its personal computer business to Lenovo in 2005.
The company has an impressive client list, which includes most of the former PwC clients. IBM GBS serves 74 percent of the Fortune Global 100 and 45 percent of the Fortune Global 500.
Careers at IBM GBS
For consultants who want to work on large IT, outsourcing, or process change projects, this company is one of the top choices. As one of the leading players in this area, IBM GBS is often compared to Accenture. A high proportion of recruits come from there, too. Although there are plenty of young partners and associate partners, there are more experienced/older consultants, so average age is older than Accenture. IBM GBS are open to recruiting experienced people and at retaining people who like consulting but do not want to aim for partner.
Also, IBM is known for paying full attention to diversity and workers with special needs. It received many awards from organisations that promote the rights of working mothers, gay and lesbian population, Hispanics, disabled, etc. IBM showed commitment to these issues decades before it became required by legislation and public opinion.
IBM GBS organisational structure
The company employs a system of Bands to classify consultants. It works approximately like this: Band 6: Consultant, Band 7: Senior Consultant (most new MBA graduates get here), Band 8: Managing Consultant, Band 9: Senior Managing Consultant, Band 10: Associate Partner. Above Band 10 is the partner level.
The functional areas include: Application Services, Business Intelligence, Customer Relationship Management, Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Oracle and PeopleSoft, Packaged Software, SAP, Strategy and Change, and Supply Chain Management.
The perspective
IBM GBS boasts with top talent, such as three people that were named in Consultant Magazine’s Top-25 Consultants 2006 list (more than any other consulting firm). At the same time, IBM is an open recruiter, who casts a wide net and is prepared to consider a wider range of candidates so long as they have what it takes to succeed at IBM. The company spends more than $800 million to educate its workforce and offers them a variety of seminars and other useful learning solutions. IBM sets a good foundation for future growth of its employees.
At the moment, IBM GBS is passing through a transitional phase with focus on offshoring, and some employees are expressing discontent. However, with broad presence, flexible admission criteria, and a focus on education, IBM GBS can be recommended to IT consultants.
IBM is one of the companies that took part in the Consultancy Careers Fair in London in October. A streaming video of their presentation at the event is available on Top-Consultant.com.
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