Software Strategy and M&A Summer Intern

IBM is seeking a Software Strategy and M&A Summer Intern to support strategic growth initiatives for its Software Business. The role focuses on data-driven strategy development, go-to-market planning, M&A analysis, market research, cross-functional collaboration, and presenting insights to senior executives.

What you'll do:

• The Intern will support the development of strategies and related initiatives across the IBM Software Business including Go-to-Market and Software M&A. Strategies are developed through research and a consultative, data-driven, analytically oriented approach underpinned by an understanding of technology, sales, business dynamics, competition, strategy and change management. The Intern will use their expertise and experience in software and technology to help IBM address a variety of challenges and/or opportunities. The Intern will work with cross functional teams, including Product Management, Development, Sales, Finance, Marketing, HR, etc. to develop these strategies and frame decisions for senior executives. The Intern may also support strategic change initiatives to ensure that targeted business outcomes are realized. In the case of Go-To-Market, this may involve client segmentation, sales structure, incentives, demand generation and the like. For M&A strategy, this may lead to identification of lead acquisition targets with supporting strategic fit hypotheses and identification of value drivers and risks. The Intern will build insights through market research, internal SME interviews and by engaging directly with potential M&A candidates, when appropriate. The Intern will have opportunities to present to and collaborate with senior IBM Executives

What they're looking for:

• Deep skills and understanding of data and analytical methods to yield insight, including root cause and statistical analyses. This includes advanced use of Excel and data science methods and tools
• Ability to understand and contribute to the development of structured thinking and frameworks to address ambiguous, unstructured challenges
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills as demonstrated through their prior work and educational experience
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, multi-threaded work environment, including dealing with shifting priorities and make progress on multiple fronts with speed and precision
• Maintain positive work relationships and demonstrate strong teamwork with peers, management, and clients. Willingly "give back" to help others on the team
• Relentless curiosity and a drive to innovate and continuously improve the methods and outcomes used in their work
• Solid understanding of the information technology industry, in software and/or in sales/go-to-market
• • Technical or data-intensive undergraduate degree
• • Currently enrolled in an MBA program at a top school, graduating in May 2027
• • Experience with a major business Consulting firm, Software, Sales, Data Science or Banking/Finance
• Master's Degree
• • Prior experience in software and information technology strategy