12-Month Futures Gap Year Scheme - Business Roles in London

12-Month Futures Gap Year Scheme - Business Roles in London

London Full-Time 25000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
IBM

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Explore client challenges, support research, and contribute ideas in a dynamic consulting environment.
  • Company: Join IBM Consulting, a global leader in technology and innovation.
  • Benefits: Earn £25,000 per annum, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Perfect for those unsure about their next step; mentorship and growth opportunities await!
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and discover your passion in a supportive, collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths; A Level or equivalent.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 £ per year.

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long‑term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long‑term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

Your Role And Responsibilities

Please apply using the application form via this link. Roles will be open for applications from Tuesday 24th February to Monday 2nd March 2026. Expected Start Dates in June and July 2026.

IBM is a leading global technology company which helps organisations transform their businesses with innovative solutions and expertise. We are seeking highly motivated and ambitious individuals to join our consulting business for a 12‑month university placement.

What This Internship Is About

Our Futures Gap Year Scheme is a 12‑month paid placement designed to give you a real taste of what it’s like to work in a global company. It’s the perfect way to explore your interests, build confidence and understand what you might want to do next.

During Your Year With Us, You Will:

  • Experience corporate life first‑hand
  • Try different types of work and discover what you enjoy
  • Build personal and professional skills that employers look for
  • Learn about the careers of the future, including business, technology and digital roles

This programme is ideal if you’re unsure about your next step. Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship, university or something completely different, we’ll help you explore your options and understand what suits you best. You don’t need loads of experience; just curiosity, energy and a passion for solving problems. Throughout the year you’ll forge meaningful connections, expand your network, interact with diverse teams, clients and leaders, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. We have a large community of mentors and coaches to guide you, offer constructive feedback and support your development.

What you might do:

  • Help teams explore client challenges and spot opportunities
  • Support research, analysis and simple problem‑solving tasks
  • Use structured thinking to map processes or summarise insights
  • Join workshops, brainstorming or agile team activities
  • Contribute ideas and help shape recommendations

What you’ll get:

  • Hands‑on experience with real consulting teams
  • Exposure to different industries and ways of working
  • A supportive environment where your ideas matter
  • A clearer sense of whether consulting suits you

Competitive Benefits Package:

  • Salary £25,000 per annum
  • Holiday allowance: 25 days + public holidays
  • IBM Rewards, Enjoy discounts and benefits at high‑street shops

Required Technical And Professional Expertise:

  • 5 x GCSE's Grade 4‑9 (or equivalent) including English and Maths
  • 2 Years Further Education completed (A Level or equivalent)
  • Live within a commutable distance of your base location (London or Manchester) as you will be required on site for a minimum 3 days per week.
  • Eligible to work in the UK full time for the duration of your internship (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience:

  • Curious about how organisations run and how problems get solved
  • Adaptable, open‑minded and happy jumping between tasks
  • Clear communicator who asks questions and shares ideas
  • Collaborative, positive and eager to learn quickly
  • Interested in consulting and excited to explore different areas

12-Month Futures Gap Year Scheme - Business Roles in London employer: IBM

IBM Consulting offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring professionals through its 12-Month Futures Gap Year Scheme, where you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive and innovative environment. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, you'll have access to a wealth of resources, mentorship, and the chance to collaborate with diverse teams while exploring various business roles. Located in vibrant cities like London and Manchester, IBM fosters a culture of curiosity and empathy, making it an ideal employer for those looking to kickstart their careers in consulting.

IBM

Contact Details:

IBM Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 12-Month Futures Gap Year Scheme - Business Roles in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former IBM employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in consulting. Personal connections can make a huge difference!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common consulting case studies. Get comfortable with problem-solving on the spot, as this is a key part of the consulting world. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence.

Tip Number 3

Show your curiosity! During interviews, ask insightful questions about IBM's projects and culture. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you figure out if it's the right fit for you. Remember, it’s a two-way street!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the deadlines and make sure you submit everything on time. Good luck, we believe in you!

We think you need these skills to ace 12-Month Futures Gap Year Scheme - Business Roles in London

Curiosity
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Adaptability
Structured Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and interests. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in the Futures Gap Year Scheme. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.

Show Your Curiosity:We love candidates who are curious and eager to learn! Use your application to demonstrate your interest in consulting and how you approach problem-solving. Share examples of times when you’ve explored new ideas or tackled challenges head-on.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at IBM

Research IBM and Its Culture

Before your interview, take some time to dive into IBM's values and culture. Understand their focus on curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. This will help you align your answers with what they value and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that explore your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Think of examples that highlight your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, as these are key traits they're looking for.

Show Your Curiosity

IBM values curiosity, so be ready to ask insightful questions about the role and the company. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to learn more about what working there would be like. Prepare a few thoughtful questions that reflect your eagerness to explore different areas within consulting.

Practice Your Communication Skills

Clear communication is crucial in consulting. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with speaking about your experiences and ideas. Remember, it's not just what you say, but how you say it!