IBM welcomes students with flowers

Flowers also play a role when participants in bachelor's or master's programs gain their first professional experience at IBM. Gabi Kump tells us why.

Ms. Kump, as the person responsible for the IBM student program, you often order flowers from us. Who are they for?

We use them to welcome students who work part-time with us in parallel to their technical and university studies. A prospective bachelor stays with us for up to four years, a prospective master for two to three. That's why it's important to us that people feel comfortable with us. In addition, we can also hope that the best ones will stay with us after completing their studies.

What about the gender balance - and which gift do you generally opt for?

On average, the students who work for us are 60% male and 40% female. As the proportion of men is high, and we don't know what men think of flowers, we opted for flowers with chocolate. As far as colors are concerned, I generally opt for bouquets in shades of red-orange-yellow. Experience shows that this appeals to everyone.

What are the reactions?

Both women and men show surprise and delight when we give them flowers and something sweet to welcome them. They usually take it home, although many men probably surprise their girlfriends with it.

Does IBM use flowers or plants in other parts of the company?

Definitely. For example, in human resources management, as already mentioned for new employees or also for company anniversaries. I could imagine that this is also the case for other events. But I don't know who else orders flowers or plants and for what occasion.

How do you experience the cooperation with our Corporate Services?

II am very satisfied. Not to mention that we have a corporate account with Fleurop. It really makes ordering easier and saves you money.

Do you love flowers?

Very much. My favorite is sunflowers, but I also like seasonal flowers in general. So, tulips in March, peonies in May, different species in summer, etc. Even my daughter is already fond of flowers and sows seeds in spring so that she can pick flowers later.

Ms. Kump, thank you very much for the interview.

Gabi Kump, Young Talents Program Manager at IBM, responsible for the two student programs Bachelor@IBM and Master@IBM.