Software Strategy & M&A Summer Intern (Cambridge)

Job Description

The Software Strategy and M&A team is a high-performing group that provides strategic perspectives on driving revenue growth and profitability for IBM Software. The team defines and executes a broad range of growth initiatives, from identifying and selecting M&A candidates to formulating strategies to accelerate growth and designing go-to-market strategies. IBM software executives rely on this team for key insights and strategic change across the business.

The Software Strategy and M&A Summer Intern supports global strategies and initiatives to deliver business outcomes for IBM Software, with a major focus on driving sustainable, profitable software revenue growth and accelerating client adoption of IBM's core platforms: Hybrid Cloud, Data, Automation, and System Z.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of strategies and related initiatives across the IBM Software Business, including Go-to-Market and Software M&A.
• Use a consultative, data-driven, analytically oriented approach underpinned by an understanding of technology, sales, business dynamics, competition, strategy, and change management.
• Work with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Development, Sales, Finance, Marketing, HR) to develop strategies and frame decisions for senior executives.
• Support strategic change initiatives to ensure targeted business outcomes are realized, which may involve client segmentation, sales structure, incentives, or demand generation.
• For M&A strategy, identify lead acquisition targets with supporting strategic fit hypotheses and identify value drivers and risks.
• Build insights through market research, internal SME interviews, and direct engagement with potential M&A candidates when appropriate.
• Present to and collaborate with senior IBM executives.

Key Skills

• Insights from Data: Deep skills in data and analytical methods, including root cause and statistical analyses, advanced Excel, and data science tools.
• Structured Thinking: Ability to contribute to structured thinking and frameworks for ambiguous, unstructured challenges.
• Communications: Outstanding oral and written communication skills demonstrated through prior work and education.
• Dynamism: Ability to work efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced, multi-threaded environment, handling shifting priorities.
• Teamwork: Maintain positive work relationships and demonstrate strong teamwork with peers, management, and clients.
• Innovation: Relentless curiosity and drive to innovate and improve methods and outcomes.
• Software and Technology Go-To-Market: Solid understanding of the IT industry, software, and/or sales/go-to-market.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Prior experience in software and information technology strategy.