Trainings in IBM IDC, Brno ?????

Discussion in 'Expat Life' started by funkyhunk, Jul 2, 2007.

  1. funkyhunk

    funkyhunk Member

    Hi Guys,

    Any one can plz tell about the trainings in IBM,

    What kind of trainings they provideS? :?:

    Would appreiciate if anyone from IBM or EX-IBMers can tell me about the work environment in IBM and culture in Brno?

    Cheers...!!
    NB :p
     
  2. Fei

    Fei Active Member

    What position are you applying for exactly? I haven't worked there myself, but I've been there a few times, learned at least something about The System (TM) there and maybe I can give you at least some general info.

    What doesn't depend on a specific position however: you WILL get trained in IBM-specific matters. I.e. use of the Tivoli Suite (problem solving: how, who, ticket system, ...), the structure (problem handling among the various bodies - CSO, SSO, NSD, ...) etc.. This means: your technical profficiency (i.e., Linux administration, let's say) is enough, they'll teach you everything related to the IDC's specifics and workflow, no worries here.

    As regards the environment, you will probably be assigned into a three-shift duty. IBM is really into that Follow-The-Sun thing. If you don't speak Czech, don't be afraid of getting lost in there - the employees are expected to have some English-speaking skills and I can confirm they do have them. I must warn you though - there's an almost visible aura of competition hanging around people in there. Look out for double-faced colleagues. But that's to be expected in a big place like this I guess...

    Anyway, I suggest finding a kind and sympathetic soul there at IBM as quickly as you can. Having a friend to help you get started in Brno must be a big help I imagine. From what I've heard from the English-speaking community here, this city is relatively hard to navigate and generally live at for a foreigner. But that's just the beginning and there are far worse cases than Brno.

    Yeah and try to avoid lengthy walks alone outdoors at night. :)
     
  3. Fei

    Fei Active Member

    Hm, this happens when one doesn't look at surrounding topics first. :) I guess this has been resolved already then, sorry for the spam.
     
  4. funkyhunk

    funkyhunk Member

    Hi Mate,

    Thanks for the information. i have been selected as an IT-Specialist L2 Windows.

    Will going to join IBM on 16 Aug, hope i will get a good frnds there.

    Are u from Czech republic?


    this city is relatively hard to navigate and generally live at for a foreigner


    What does that mean?? Is living costly there or what?



    Cheers...!! :D
    NB
     
  5. Fei

    Fei Active Member

    Level 2 you say...mmm...I'm not sure if they offer additional training in Win administration itself to the L2's, someone else's bound to know.

    Yes, I come from the Czech Rep. Living in Brno isn't costly compared to the rest of the CR (or the world) I'd say. Sure you won't be diving in money during the first few months, but even at the beginning IBM will give you enough to feed yourself, dress yourself, pay the rent/whatever and still have some spare money. The greatest challenge altogether, I suppose, will be finding a place to stay in, especially in case you're short of money. If you're lucky, you'll rent a neat, small private flat for 2500-3000 Kc/month (and perhaps even Inet connection). If you're unlucky or are looking for something better, it'll be more, but as you can see - Brno is livable.

    Food is a similar amount. Take a good look around all kinds of stores - the big ones might turn out to be cheaper than the small ones in the suburb (also don't expect people to know a single word in English in a small suburb shoppe). If you're a vegetarian (which I suppose you are), food might be the first "culture shock" for you, 'cause the Czechs endlessly glut their stomachs with all kinds of fat, meat (beef including) and you see and smell it about everywhere. But a range of vegetarian food can be obtained as well.

    By "hard to navigate and generally live at for a foreigner" I meant that not much here is written in English and not everyone you'd expect it from speaks English well enough to hold a reasonable conversation. If in trouble, try asking someone young in sight for help, they shouldn't have trouble with basic English and are generally helpful I think. But avoid contact with the gipsys at all costs. Once you settle down, try to learn the language, despite its complexity. It'll open further possibilities and make you feel at home. Well, nothing new, I guess...
     
  6. funkyhunk

    funkyhunk Member

    Tx mate for your quick response.

    What do u do ? Are you in IT Sector?

    Can you guide me with the residencial areas (near IBM)? where i can get furnished accomodation.....? and what's going to be the price range in these areas.

    I have been offered 23K net, Is this a good amount for cz...?

    As far the food is concered, I m non veg, so think food is not going to be a problem for me. but one of my frnd is pure veg. so he is worried about the food. IS veg food easily available in cz?


    I will make a note of all your valuable advice.


    Thanks for your help, :D
     
  7. Fei

    Fei Active Member

    You're welcome. Yes, I work in the IT, Linux adm. mostly.

    I'm afraid I can't give you that detailed info on accomodation here. I only gained a rough picture of all this from chatting with my friends who rented a place here when they moved to Brno. 3000 Kc/month will most likely include furniture. But you probably won't get a quilt+pillow and some unessential electric appliances (TV, ...). It's possible (but I'm really not sure) you'll get a free laptop from IBM, in which case it would be cool if you could find a place with Internet connection available (don't expect unlimited 4Mbit miracles however).

    As I said - quality accomodation might turn out to be a problem, but with time, you'll get the hang of it, I'm sure. Patience pays off.

    IBM IDC in Brno is not situated right in the city center, so accomodation there shouldn't be too expensive. But it's not a pretty place IMHO, just concrete and empty space, maybe there are even no living houses over there at all. But it's been quite some time, don't take me very seriously here. Anyway, the IDC itself is a very nice place. A few college faculties and also Honeywell have their residences right next to IBM here. If you climb to the roof and buy some tomatoes and a sling, you can throw them at your employer's rival's site. :)

    23k net is sufficient, it's above-average. IBM surely does offer opportunities to push one's career higher. So if you try hard enough, you might find your salary climbing in the near future. I suggest you be careful talking about money with your colleagues for starters. But as soon as you find a closer friend or two, ask them about this issue and how's things going in IBM.

    I'm not a vegetarian myself, so my evaluation might be again only rough, but I think vegetarian food is quite easily found here. The selection might not be very large though, unless you cook at home or find a dedicated store with veg. groceries (and such dedicated stores undoubtedly do exist here somewhere). Restaurants will also offer meatless meals almost always, but again - your friend's gonna have to take his time looking for a broader selection. A notable exception is pizza - it's quite popular here. Not very cheap on the other hand.
     
  8. Fei

    Fei Active Member

    I was just reminded about a critical fact :) - 3000/month is not what a single person would pay. Sorry for that hoax. But since there's the two of you, maybe it'll even drop that low p. person if you are very lucky.
     
  9. sacman

    sacman Member

  10. funkyhunk

    funkyhunk Member

    Thanks mate for this link..... IBM's building is coool.

    Do you know anyone who is working there as an IT Specialist - Level 2 Windows?

    Do you work for IBM?


    Cheers...!! :)
    NB
     
  11. sacman

    sacman Member

    Sorry, I don't know any Level 2 windows people, but yes I do work for IBM in Brno. It's a great place to work. Between the people, the career path and the opportunities of a big company like IBM.
     
  12. funkyhunk

    funkyhunk Member

    what was your profile there.

    Do they provide laptop to IT Specialist?

    Do they provide any kind of accomodation to the new joinees?

    or Where will i stay after reaching to Brno?

    any idea about these queries.??


    Cheers..!! :)
    NB
     

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