Business Management Apprentice Review

I am currently a Business Management Apprentice for M&G and although I only started in January, I am really enjoying my experience so far. Despite joining without a great deal of knowledge, my team and M&G have ensured that I have felt welcome and have ensured I'm always learning. Being part of the Business Management Team has meant that I have the opportunity to speak to a variety of business areas due to working on tasks in finance, IT and operations. I deal with invoices and updating Bloomberg data for the team in Mumbai, whilst also getting involved in on-going operational projects.

I am currently undergoing the IOC and have my first exam next month. M&G ensure you have 3/4 hours in the working week to study as they understand it can be hard to work all day and revise. They also provide so many in house training courses. Already, I have attended five, one hour sessions on the Introduction to Financial Services. They were really beneficial as provided a simplified introduction to fund management. There are also many courses, such as How to use Excel that you can sign up for. M&G are also part of Investment 2020 and are always encouraging us to attend their events. I've been to one already in Basildon and it was so beneficial and an interesting way to learn about the industry. I have learnt many new financial/accountancy terms and also different things about IT. The business uses so many acronyms so at first it was hard to follow what was going on, but slowly I have began to pick them up and everyone is always happy to help.

I can't believe how fast time has gone and to me that is a good indicator as to how I am enjoying my time here. My work is varied and interesting and I'm always taking part in different things. I love the team I work in and everyone is always so happy to help me and are always willing to give me some of their time. The company culture is great and already I have developed relationships with so many people in the business. At first, with it being my first proper job, I was extremely nervous, but working at M&G has exceeded my expectations and I'm 100% certain that I am enjoying my time here.

My line manager always ensures that I am getting on okay and has also assigned me a mentor of whom I have weekly meetings to ensure I am getting on okay. HR also regularly check up to make sure all is going well.

My programme is well organised. I have monthly meetings with someone from the college that's linked to my apprenticeship to ensure that everything is on track. I have to report to a range of people due to working in IT, operations and finance but I never have any trouble in knowing who to ask for help. I have weekly meetings with my mentor and monthly ones with my line manager to ensure that I am on track.

I have monthly meetings with my training provider and if I have any queries, he always responds quickly. He has a good attitude towards supporting me and genuinely wants me to do well.

I receive a lot of support from people in my team and from M&G. I am never afraid to go and ask my line manager for help and wouldn't be scared to tell him if I was worried about anything. Everyone in my team is really helpful and always supporting me. The HR team are easily accessible and if I ever had any issues, I wouldn't hesitate to contact them. My weekly sessions with my mentor are really beneficial but I feel like I can talk to her whenever, not just in this hour. The general attitude towards supporting me couldn't be better, with people not even always in my direct team always willing to help.

The salary is much better than I ever expected and is able to cover the expensive travel / daily costs you have to endure for working in London. Giving you a very good salary only makes you want to try even harder for your company and I can't fault it.

The social side to M&G's apprenticeship scheme is better than I imagined. I was worried that not going to university would mean that I would miss out on the social aspect but the social side to the apprenticeship is great. Social events such as quiz nights and investment 2020 events are hosted all the time and the apprentices are constantly getting together for drinks / lunch. The location is perfect and there are so many nice restaurants / bars / shops around the area to go to.

Yes

I already have recommended to friends as I honestly think it is such an amazing place to work. They give you so many opportunities to progress in your career and are so supportive in making sure you are constantly learning and getting the best out of the experience. They really take care of their employees and the social side to M&G is just as good as the working side. I have loved working here so far and can see myself staying here for the foreseeable future.

The application process is very tough for M&G but it only makes you feel better for getting the job. There is an online interview and then two further stages to the interview process. Loads of knowledge about the industry isn't required as the apprenticeship is all about learning but you have to be able to demonstrate a passion to learn and evident that you have enthusiasm for the business. You should research the company but also will need to provide answers and evidence as to why M&G should hire you. Before applying I would've liked to be told to just relax and preparation is key. Obviously, there is only a certain amount of preparation you can do but just don't panic. Don't be afraid to take your time to think of an answer as some will be more difficult than others. Just smile and ensure you show your passion and enthusiasm for the job.