I Think, I Work, and Therefore I Am an IBMer

Cogito Ergo Sum is a famous philosophical statement proposed by Rene Descartes, which literally means “I think, therefore I am”. He used to prove his own existence by claiming that his ability to form thoughts made him a real and living human being. It means that “someone is wondering whether or not he or she exists”.

The IBMers -  IT Team

I used to remember this statement whenever I am in a workplace during my early days in IBM. There are moments that I’m asking myself, “Why am I doing this and that? Why a person like me is required to work? Why is someone else asking me to do this and that?” I’m wondering if IBM really appreciates my efforts.

Allan, Olive and Karlo, with the IT Service Delivery Managers

And then, I saw an IBMer wearing an IBM jacket with a slogan stating “Working Hard to Earn These Stripes”.  I recognized that the word “stripes” pertains to the logo of IBM. I found out that this employee is already on his fifth year in IBM.  I asked him “How’s working with the Big Blue?” And then he said, “I will not answer your question, because I want you to find out what it means to be an IBMer”. He leaves me wondering and thinking about how he responds to my question. For me, it’s vague, and I wish that he will answer me in a usual or in a different way. Perhaps, he wanted me to explore rather than to make his own personal review about the company.

Then, I began exploring IBM, about its core values and culture, the company’s history, the functions of departments and offices, how to reach my goals, how’s like to be well-known in IBM, and how will my journey with IBM become worthwhile.

I realized that each of the departments has its own function that supports an organization. Within that department there are many people working together to achieve a certain goal. Imagine if one department is missing, or is not functioning properly, I don’t think IBM will stay and live in the industry for 100 years. It’s like a human body, if one body part is missing, for example, a leg, and then it will be difficult for you to stand up on your own. I began appreciating my role in the IT department as a back office and production support. IBM has chosen me because the company knew that I have a potential which they cannot find to other person. IBM believes that I can do and perform well in my job because of the experience I gained in my past employers. IBM makes me realized that my career will be meaningful if I will start discovering my other potentials, how to maximize my capability, and be familiar with the career opportunities inside the organization.

Through IBM Career Smart, I started to track my career progress, learning, and development. I used to present my records to my manager every four months; so that he could guide me on what else will I be requiring to attain my desired career path. I seek advises to my seniors and mentors, on how to be well-known and be an effective employee of IBM. I became proactive in my job, makes my manager to became happy and satisfied on my performance, and because of this, I got promoted in the company.

Thomas J. Watson Sr.

All I can I say is earning those “stripes” is not difficult if you know what you are doing, what you want to achieve, and how to understand your role in the team. Another important thing is that, you should never stop learning. That’s the meaning of the phrase “Working hard to earn these stripes”.  

I’m very grateful to IBM, because IBM gives me a lot of opportunities, learning, and work experiences in my profession.

“We must study through listening, observing and thinking. All the problems of the world can be settled easily if men were only willing to THINK.” – Thomas J. Watson Sr.

I THINK, I WORK, and therefore I am an IBMer.