BA Finance Apprentice Review

My role as a BA finance apprentice involves a various tasks on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis. In the morning I usually do pretty basic tasks like sort the post, reply to emails, process any journals. In the afternoon depending what I'm working on the majority is on one larger task. For example at the moment I am working on the journal reduction project which involves downloading reports, analysing the data and putting the information into charts/graphs to later present.

I have learnt so many skills since starting at Unilever. My general understanding of what's appropriate office behaviour, timekeeping etc. I have also gained a wide set of skills on excel, email and multiple software's.

I really enjoy Unilever and look forward to coming in each day and being busy. My team are all hard working and very friendly, if ever I have a question someone always has time to assist me. The company has a relaxed feel about it and its an enjoyable place to work as they encourage you to work in the way which best suits you (for me with headphones in)

I get a lot of appreciation from my manager and regularly get feedback from a team member who has taken on the role of my mentor more or less. I often get asked if I want to be involved in things or if I'd like to come to a meeting to get some insight into another area of the business.

The programme has grown and improved over time. my manger had thought out my apprenticeship well and had tasks for me to start when I arrived. I have a weekly catch up with my manager and am given time to do the coursework side of things and my manger has ensured she has provided opportunities to cover off all of the coursework.

I feel this is where the programme at Unilever lacks. Workshops which where said to be happening have not happened, leaving gaps in my coursework. However coursework is marked within a week and our progress is reviewed on a monthly basis.

I receive lots of support by my manager and team. I'm put forward for tasks by manager who will then support me throughout the task until I feel comfortable and fully understand it. Whenever a new task is given to me I'm never just shown how to do it but taught about why it needs to be done, the impact it has on the business and the impact it would have if it isn't done.

For an apprenticeship the salary is very good. it more then sufficient for living costs if you still live at home and for travel, food, savings and socialising.

Unilever provides opportunities for things outside of work like volunteering day. Where you can sign up to volunteer at some of the local charities. Unilever also holds quarterly socials for the finance department like pizza and quiz night or cocktail making

Yes

Unilever is an excellent place to learn, grow and develop as a young person. The working environment is very friendly, the dress code quite relaxed and you are continuously encouraged to push yourself and given challenging tasks to really help develop your skill set. Unilever offers so may opportunities to explore the different departments/ area's of the business and the different brands. There's lots of other apprentices in the business so its like having a support network who you can ask questions to or to have a quick catch up with to see what they're doing as part of there apprenticeship- allowing you to learn about other areas of the business through networking.

Tips and advice.. To be yourself and answer questions honestly so that during the selection process you are put into the department which will best suit you. For the assessment day I would say to try and relax as much as possible as you have already done so well to have made it this far.