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Mentoring for our disabled or neurodivergent students
Are you an undergraduate student who identifies as disabled or neurodivergent?
If you're an undergraduate student looking to build confidence, develop your employability skills and gain valuable career insight, this scheme offers a unique opportunity to connect with experienced professionals from IBM, regardless of your degree discipline.
Through personalised coaching and support, you'll gain guidance to help you explore career options, prepare for graduate employment and make informed decisions about your future.
There is no other company like IBM, and there is no business professional like an "IBMer". IBM professionals are experts across technical and business fields, helping organisations solve complex challenges through innovative technology and solutions.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the IBM Career Coaching Scheme, you must:
- Be a current undergraduate student
- Identify as disabled or neurodivergent
- Be interested in developing your career readiness and employability skills
We encourage all eligible students to apply. Applications will open on Friday 16 October. In the meantime, you can register your interest in the scheme and be notified as soon as applications are live.
What is the IBM Coaching Scheme?
The IBM Coaching Scheme provides a minimum of 5x 1-to-1 sessions with a professional mentor from IBM. Sessions are held between December and May with the option of having in-person or virtual meetings.
By taking part, you'll receive:
- Your Personal IBM Coach: You'll be matched with an experienced IBM professional who gets it, and can offer invaluable insights and real, practical advice.
- Boost Your Skills: Through one-on-one coaching sessions and group workshops, you'll develop key skills to boost your employability.
- Build Your Network: Connect with IBM professionals and fellow students, building relationships that could shape your career.
- Tailored Support: Whether you need career advice, interview tips, or insights into the industry, your coach is there to help.
- Flexible Options: Choose in-person or virtual coaching sessions to fit your schedule and comfort level.
Applications open on Friday 16 October
Places are limited and this is a competitive process, completion of the application does not guarantee you a position.
Please note the closing date for applications is Sunday 8 November at midnight.
The scheme will run from December 2026 to May 2027.
In the meantime, you can register your interest in the scheme and be notified as soon as applications are live.
Quotes from previous IBM Career Coaching Scheme participants
- "It gave me valuable insight and information about the industry”
- “There was an excellent understanding between us and we were able to develop an open and honest mentoring relationship. My mentor understood the pace that best suited me and I have found the scheme very beneficial in terms of the knowledge and growth I have acquired since then”
- “As we were well matched we could talk about a lot more than I had originally planned. I feel I have gotten much more out of the programme”
- “My mentor asked me what I wanted to learn and what experiences I was expecting to gain, I’m pleased to say all of my expectations were met”
- “They were very supportive and understanding”
Applications
Follow our guide to completing application forms and sending speculative applications in order to stand out to employers.
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