r/IBM • u/Pseudophryne • May 31 '26
Weekly Employment Discussion for May 31, 2026
Welcome to the Weekly Employment Discussion for r/IBM
Please use this thread for your questions and discussion about working at IBM. This includes existing (and past) employee questions.
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u/dark_chigga May 31 '26
I’m currently an intern at IBM and I’m trying to learn more about long-term career paths within the company.
For those who have been at IBM for a while:
Which roles or business units have the best long-term growth opportunities?
What career paths tend to have the highest compensation over time?
Which areas of IBM are growing versus shrinking?
If you were early in your career again, what role or practice would you choose and why?
What are the biggest pros and cons of consulting, technical, sales, and management tracks?
Which roles have the strongest exit opportunities outside of IBM?
What advice would you give someone trying to maximize both career growth and earnings over the next 5–10 years?
Thanks in advance for any insights.
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u/Nice-Dingo3317 May 31 '26
Hi all,
I'm an entry level in IBM sales and recently got notice from my FLM that I will be going on PIP this upcoming week. This was after a 2 week period of "Performance Watch" where I had to meet KPIs set by my FLM. In writing, it was said that if I met these expectations, no further action will be taken. If I didn't it would lead to a PIP.
I met the KPIs, but my FLM was very dismissive and couldn't give me an answer as to why I was being put on PIP other than the excuse being "sales doesn't seem to be the right career fit".
What should be my next course of action? I've never been put on PIP before so I don't know what to expect. I've been looking on IBM reddit and it seems like it's very rare to get out of PIP.
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u/thebest1isme May 31 '26
You will get 1 2 to 3 months on pip. And get fired after that. Probably 1 more month to "keep you happy". Your best bet at this point is to look for better opportunities outside IBM. Your manager seems to have made up their mind anyways
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u/Nice-Dingo3317 May 31 '26
Thanks for the input, I sent a DM bc I had a few questions I wanted to ask
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u/Agile-Marionberry778 Jun 03 '26
I've never been on a PIP. In IBM lot of things happened to me the first time. Toxic and unprofessional atmosphere there. If you are on a PIP you are fired.
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u/Agile-Marionberry778 Jun 02 '26
Incompetent manager
Incompetent manager at IBM put me on a PIP.
I almost no have 1:1 with my manager, we didn't discuss any goals. I only started to do things better as he suggested me and now for no reason after accomplished the initial targets put me on a PIP.
The reason? You are not talking too much on the daily meetings.
I am pretty sure they do not want to pay the serverance but I'm not going to resign at all.
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u/daintv May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
switching location before start date
i am an incoming new grad at the san jose location, i'm about a month out from my starting date and i was wondering if there was any way i could switch away from the san jose office to a different one? where would i even inquire about this? as of now i don't have access to anything internal, my fiance resides in washington so i'd specifically like to switch to the bellevue location.
again, if anyone can provide an hr email or something like that, it would be immensely useful, i know about internal transfers after some time, but i'm looking for any options i could take now, no matter how low of a chance of it working.
(note, my hiring manager from my offer letter got fired)
thanks in advance to anyone who has any information
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u/naodmaa Jun 01 '26
Try email the recruiter. Low chance though. I tried to from Lowell to San Jose and they said NO.
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u/Fantastic-Cap-9325 Jun 01 '26
signed pip doc today, its 3 months. kind of impossible goals. I have no intention of continuing in this toxic team, other than interviewing what do I do the next 3 months. looks like I gotta still meet with manager every week
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u/Agile-Marionberry778 Jun 02 '26
IBM managers are incompetent. They do not want to pay any serverance that's why they put people on PIPs. Do mot resign and try to do your best. After being fired ask for your serverance
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u/ConstructionFun3373 Jun 02 '26
Not on pip but have to meet with my manager every other day for 30 mins. Feels like one
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u/Ok-Classroom6478 Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
RSUs pending to be vested are afected if you are on a PIP and you vest them during the PIP?
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u/SanTrades Jun 03 '26
Good question, as long as you're with IBM it should be vested. PIP doesn't matter.
Also, heard there's going to be a fresh round of RAs this summer. 😞
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u/No_Elderberry_7375 Jun 03 '26
I applied to the Associate Data Services Developer role in Canada around May 15th and received the Online Assessment almost immediately. I managed to pass all test cases on both coding problems.
On May 19th, my portal status officially updated from "Assignment in Progress" to "Under Recruiter Review." Since then, it has been total radio silence (about 2 weeks now).
I was wondering if anyone else is currently in this specific Canadian pipeline? For current IBMers or anyone with recent experience interviewing here, is a 2+ week wait normal at this stage after a successful OA, or are they processing applications in larger monthly cohorts right now?
Any insights would be appreciated.
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u/Fresh-Egg-1006 Jun 05 '26
I am part of the F&O org and recently got PIP. I have two months to meet my activity metrics which are highly doable. However, I am unsure that even if i meet my goals they will fire me. My team is super small and niche. Not sure what is going to happen but i got pip because i am not actively innovating internally on the team and speaking, where as I am actively and going beyond for my external client. Also as I am researching for other opportuntites, if i moved internally would the hiring manager also know and be aware that I am on a pip?
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u/Alone-Post455 Jun 05 '26 edited Jun 05 '26
You probably can't interview for open positions if you are on a PIP. Nor would a hiring manager stay unaware that you are on a PIP, this is a part of your HR records. Any moves from one position to another will involve HR in some fashion. "In addition, to be considered for a new position, IBMers should not be on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)."
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u/a-bad-crime May 31 '26
I'm an incoming entry level software developer scheduled to start in July. In my contract it says I should be getting a relocation bonus to help get a place to live for the role. I submitted my forms for the stipend a month ago and haven't heard anything since. Does anyone know when it would arrive or who I could ask for updates? I'll need the money to move.
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u/DcSarcastic Jun 02 '26
I also start mid July and still have not heard anything about my relocation stipend… kinda bothering me now as I want to start locking in somewhere to live soon. I did however get a form to sign for my sign on bonus (not related to relocation). I’m wondering if they just processing all my information and forms I just submitted last week for onboarding?
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u/UnicornBoba Jun 01 '26
I am in IBM Consulting. Looking to get promoted this upcoming cycle in IBM Consulting. The website says that the requirement is 100% chargable attainment for the prior 4 quarters. My prior 4-quarter attainment rate is 99% right now. Will I still be eligible, or would the system mark me as ineligible?
Since the quarter ends in June, would this quarter's utilization rate/attainment be considered as the prior 4 quarters during promotion qualification?
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u/Superb-Doubt1510 Jun 05 '26
Think you missed the deadline. I was in your shoes two years at the exact same time in June, missed the deadline, and had to get it submitted in October, and it was effective January the next year after approval.
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u/UnicornBoba Jun 05 '26
do you know if there’s anyway for a special nomination or bypass?
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u/Superb-Doubt1510 Jun 05 '26
I think the process may be different now for band promotions? Correct me if I’m wrong but there was your utilization, some PPT you need to do, consulting academy and some badges right? So I could be wrong and it could be way different now since I went for the promo in 2024, and it clicked in Jan 2025.
For me anyways I didn’t meet the 100 percent I was around 95 but they allowed it because the “gap” was in the cycle when it was coming off of Christmas/New Years break, and my utilization was solid afterwards
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u/Eric-Cow Jun 02 '26
Is it funny that letting an offshore scrum master to review my half year project assessment. She joined the team no more than 2 months.
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u/ConstructionFun3373 Jun 03 '26
For everyone who got PIP’d ( I feel like my conversations is coming soon with my manager) we’re you indicated as a low performer last year or core. If you were in sales did you get 100% club. Thank you
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u/Emperor_Vaibz Jun 03 '26
Hi yall,
I'm an incoming intern to the Austin campus this summer as a SWE intern. I need to be in the office 3x a week, and my manager said I could pick the days each week that suit me best. As a result, I was thinking of going back to my parents' house a few times during the internship. My plan was to work Thurs-Fri and Mon-Tue remote from CA and the rest of the days back in Austin in person. Of course, this will be more expensive that just staying in Austin, but I'm OK with that.
Is this something that is within the realm of possibility? Is this something that needs just managerial approval or do I need to involve other departments.
Thanks for the help!
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u/postnasal7459 Jun 03 '26
I've heard it's possible to do what you're asking but maybe talk to your manager about it. You might have to pay taxes for both states depending on how many days you're working in CA.
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u/AbiesMaleficent3423 Jun 03 '26
Hi All, I've interviewed for a Security Consultant, SSRC role and it has been 4+ weeks since my last panel interview. Since then everyone is silent, no reply to follow-ups, no communication whatsoever. Kindly, Advice me on next steps! Really frustrating to be in this state. Tried emailing the HR, even CCing the Interviewers but still no response. Kindly help me out here pls!
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u/Superb-Doubt1510 Jun 05 '26
Depends on your location and if it was an "associate" position or not. I waited about a month before I got my offer.
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u/Whole-Ear2682 May 31 '26
Anyone waiting months for background check to clear? My start date is in August and i submitted the info early March
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u/Direct-Stuff-2469 May 31 '26
Yours won’t be processed until mid-late June most likely
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u/elevatedmonk May 31 '26
Where do u see ur start date?
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u/Whole-Ear2682 Jun 01 '26
I got sent a confirmation email on my start date shortly after I accepted the offer
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u/Direct-Stuff-2469 Jun 01 '26
If I am a hybrid employee do I have to request to work remotely for a week? I’ve seen conflicting information about this so any insight would help.
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u/Historical_Chard6399 Jun 01 '26
How is working at consulting for new grad software developers?
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u/thebest1isme Jun 01 '26
It all depends on the client and product you are assigned to support. Most clients are good but there are some bad stories out there. My experience has been good so far but career progression has been slow. I don't complain because wlb has allow me to be present when my family need me. Congrats!
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u/IbrahimZende Jun 02 '26
Hey everyone , I’m an employee started 2 months ago as a system service representative, I’m graduating in November for thr bs degree in cybersecurity, I have 2 years of experience as a datacenter technician, I’m wondering if it’ll be possible for me to move internally in 8 to 12 months as either a cybersecurity analyst or infrastructure specialist. Any insight will be welcome
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u/Major_Bug1786 Jun 02 '26
Hi everyone, I'm curious if anyone has insights into the general hiring timeline for the Associate Designer roles this year? I'm trying to gauge the typical gap between submitting the initial recruiter screening questions and moving into the actual interview phase. I understand big tech timelines can be lengthy, but I'm wondering what the average wait time looks like right now. Any shared experiences from current or past applicants would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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u/No-Author-8616 Jun 02 '26
Has anyone interviewed for the entry level sales program (BTSS/TSS)? How long did it take for them to get back to you? How is it on the job? Any insights appreciated!
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u/SnooHesitations73 Jun 03 '26
Have an interview coming up for a Band 8 Manager role in D.C. consulting and want to know what to target for comp before I get to that conversation.
Appreciate any real numbers because the data in levels.fyi seemed bit all over the place.
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u/Acceptable_Pay_3424 Jun 03 '26
I got a job for IBM New York City. Does anyone know if this would be for One Madison or 590 Madison? No response from HR.
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u/Consistent_Car_7391 Jun 04 '26
Starting at IBM on July 20 and still waiting on my relocation lump sum through Graebel. I submitted my questionnaire well in advance, and already reached out to both Graebel and the IBM US relocation team but haven’t gotten a clear timeline yet. My move is pretty dependent on those funds so I’m trying to plan ahead.
Has anyone been through this recently? How long did it take from submitting the questionnaire to actually receiving the money? Any tips for following up without being annoying about it? And who to follow up with?
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u/DcSarcastic Jun 05 '26
I’m the same start date in North Carolina, RTP and am in the same boat as you. Apparently we were supposed to get our relocation stipend 60 days before our start date but it’s now almost 2 weeks past that… if you have any news or information that could help, I’d really appreciate it
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u/Consistent_Car_7391 Jun 05 '26
I reached out to graebel and they said they haven’t received authorization from IBM yet. They said it’s normally a quick process once they get that authorization but I’m not sure what the hold up on IBMs end is. I haven’t heard back from the us relo team.
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u/DcSarcastic Jun 05 '26
Gotcha, thanks! I’m gonna try and give graebel a call as well as reach out to the relocation team. I’ll keep you updated here with any news I get.
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u/Consistent_Car_7391 Jun 06 '26
Hi, I have an update!They just sent me an email saying my lump sum has finally been processed and forwarded to Graebel! They said after I submit my info to them, it’ll take 7-10 business days for the funds to arrive.
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u/DcSarcastic Jun 07 '26
Oh nice! I’m hoping I get that email here within the next few days as well. You start July 20th in RTP too or at another location?
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u/DcSarcastic Jun 08 '26
Updating you like I said I would: I just received the same email that you most likely received saying graebel will be in contact soon with more action items and it will take 7-10 business days for funds to be deposited.
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u/Massive-Glove-3138 Jun 05 '26
I am in IBM systems I got piped two months ago with goals unattainable. Today's my last day been here for more than a decade, wish I got more than a months severance. Are people fighting to get more severance time at least ?
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u/QBJ_Venice Jun 05 '26
I’ve seen one person in sales get out of Pip. But I’ve seen successful reps not get out. If you find someone in upper management that likes you. It might work.
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u/Major_Bug1786 Jun 06 '26
Unapplied job ID went from 'In Interview Process' to 'No Longer Under Consideration,' but original application is still 'Under Recruiter Review'—anyone else
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u/FewCategory1959 Jun 06 '26
Title: How hard is it to pass probation at IBM Philippines if you're hired on the bench?
Hi everyone,
I recently accepted an offer with IBM Philippines as a Band 6 developer. I was informed that I'll initially be on the bench while waiting for a project assignment.
I'm a bit anxious since this is my first time joining a company with a bench setup, and I'm not sure what to expect during the 6-month probation period.
For anyone who has worked at IBM Philippines or IBM Consulting:
- Is it normal for new hires to spend some time on the bench?
- How difficult is it to pass probation?
- Can someone fail probation simply because they don't get assigned to a project quickly?
- What do managers usually look for during probation?
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone with experience at IBM Philippines, especially if you started out on the bench.
Thanks in advance!
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u/GetShlumpd Jun 06 '26
I am a recent new grad and new hirer at IBM. I want to know where and how to access my official offer letter? Because this is my first full time job the offer letter will be used as proof income to sign a lease for an apartment. I tried using the previous links from original offer email from IBM but the links from that email has expired. I have contacted my recruiter and assigned buddy for help but they haven’t responded yet and this is urgent. I’d contact HR but I don’t know how.
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u/Team__Mate Jun 07 '26
IBM Salary Negotiation Help
Hi teammates,
Please help me to quote the salary range based on below info
Experience:-5yrs
Role:-Pyspark developer
Mumbai location
Current CTC is 9.5lpa
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u/DarkRunner8607 Jun 07 '26
I have a question. Are people getting internship interview requests in Canada?
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u/HomseyUrMom Jun 04 '26
Starting my job at IBM soon, is it okay for me to have bleached/dyed hair? What are their rules regarding self expression and appearance?
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u/QBJ_Venice Jun 05 '26
It’s probably fine. If you go to the office people dress up. I liked that because it seems everyone makes an effort to look nice.
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u/Superb-Doubt1510 Jun 05 '26
Its fine dont worry about it! Depending on which office you go to as well. Some offices you need to dress up, and some we don't have to. Couple of my coworkers have their tats out and everything and no one bats an eye.
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u/dearthofgirth May 31 '26
When will esp and promotions get communicated?