2022 IBM Accelerate Marketing and Communications Takeaways
IBM
CERTIFICATIONS
This past summer, Christine interned for IBM’s Accelerate Program in its Marketing and Communications department. In addition to completing IBM’s eight-week internship, she completed over 50 hours of additional learning with IBM’s SkillsBuild.
"This badge earner demonstrates knowledge of the career paths available in the Marketing and Communications field as well as a foundational understanding of key marketing and communications concepts. The individual recognizes the critical elements of building digital marketing campaigns and global brand messaging, including building an understanding of the market and client, crafting compelling content, devising digital marketing tactics, and optimizing performance."- IBM
Event Planning - IBM
As part of the IBM Accelerate Program, Christine was able to learn firsthand from those planning social events for IBM, such as the US Open. These events require much attention, advanced planning, and timely scheduling. Detailed forethought goes into creating the IBM experience for clients. Christine learned the importance of working and communicating with a team for such high-tech main events. Being open and honest with the team is crucial, and creating effective, efficient, and proactive plans is essential.
Connecting with IBMers
During Christine’s time at IBM, she shadowed marketers to better understand the role and gain critical industry skills. While the internship was virtual, there were many opportunities to connect with professionals in the industry. Christine took the initiative to reach out and connect with IBMers. Her conversations provided further insight into IBM, enabling her to expand her network and marketing acumen. By forging relationships, Christine learned about IBM's differentiated capabilities and the countless career opportunities afforded at a leading hybrid cloud and AI company. Christine is grateful for the opportunity to meet many talented individuals through the program and hopes to apply the knowledge gained in the IBM Marketing intern capacity next year.
CLASSES
As part of the IBM Accelerate Program, participants attended weekly meetings with guest speakers, lectures, and activities. The classes IBM held allowed members to debrief with the IBM executives and ask any questions they might have. In addition, the sessions involved educating interns on essential aspects of working and approaching a business-to-business model at IBM for Marketing and Communications.
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Lessons involved learning the importance of Storytelling. According to the Freytag Pyramid, Storytelling emphasizes the importance of narrative arcs and breaking the narration down into five key moments: lowest left-exposition; left middle-rising action; highest-climax; right middle-falling action; and right-lowest resolution.
While participating in IBM Accelerate, Christine was asked to create videos in action promoting the program. Christine focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Christine enjoyed participating in IBM’s Accelerate Program and is very grateful for the unique opportunity and experience.
Christine's Experience at IBM
Christine’s experience with the IBM Accelerate Program was transformative. She is thrilled she could be a part of and share in IBM’s culture and obtain first-hand knowledge of IBM's dedication to continue developing and advancing technology.