Business Management Apprentice Review

I am currently a Business Management Apprentice which is a broad role involving finance, operations and technology. From a financial aspect, I process and ensure any invoices we receive are paid, create monthly journals to portray our outgoings and incomings and also help with expense tracking for projects. Due to me being involved in the operational aspects of the business, I also get to get learn about what's going on in projects too. I also help manage any relationships we may have with third parties.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't learn something - being in a working environment means I get on the job experience rather than simply reading from a textbook. M&G also offer loads of in house courses which they are happy for you to take part in such as 'An Intro to Investment Management' and also more practical courses such as a Beginners Guide to Excel. I have also almost finished my IOC (Investment Operations Certificate) which is the qualification you complete during your apprenticeship at M&G. It is really beneficial as is an introduction to the financial services industry.

I love the team that I work in and the culture at M&G. I feel constantly involved and included and an asset rather than a burden to the company. I am not treated as 'just an apprentice' and get involved in so many aspects of the business. However, at the same time, my team do understand that I am 'just an apprentice' so continue to give me the support I need. It is a really happy place to work and people really enjoy what they do which makes working here an amazing experience.

I always feel valued as an employee working at M&G Investments and think it is an amazing place to work. HR constantly make sure you're doing okay and I have weekly catch ups with my manager to ensure I am doing okay and happy here. I understand it was hard to get me involved sometimes as everyone is so busy and sometimes it is easier (and quicker) for people to do things themselves, but I really appreciated how much my colleagues tried to get me involved.

When I first started at M&G, there were a lot of courses that helped me understand the business and how things work. One that was particularly useful was an all day session called 'classroom to corporate.' Going from school/sixth form to the workplace is a huge step so this helped bridge the gap. I have weekly catch ups with my manager and monthly catch ups with HR which are really useful as gives me a chance to talk through what I've been up to and if I need any help with anything that I have been doing.

My tutor would come in monthly to ensure that everything was going okay and briefly guide me through my coursework. However, I would more likely ask for help from people in my team or HR if I was struggling.

I receive a good amount of support from my team as a whole and they try to help me whenever they have time. HR are really helpful and I feel like they supported me throughout the entire apprenticeship. Everyone in my team are always willing to help and would never turn me away. Overall, I have been really well supported.

Working in the city is expensive when you consider the travel and daily and social costs of being in London. However, the salary provided is more than I expected for an apprenticeship and I could never complain about it!!

M&G are part of the Investment2020 scheme which provide so many opportunities for us as apprentices. They are a scheme which bring together different investment management companies in London and host both social and educational events. We also have a sports and social page which post any events that are happening which you can take part in. When I chose to do an apprenticeship over University ,I was worried that I would miss out on the social aspects but this is not the case at all, as there are plenty of opportunities when you work in the city.

Yes

I think it is such a happy, inclusive place to work and you always feel appreciated. There are so many opportunities, both educational and social and you are constantly learning.

The application process isn't easy but it is worth it in the end! If I could give myself advice it would be not to worry and not to be demotivated if you ever get any rejections (everyone does!). Make sure you research the company and know what role you are applying for, but don't worry about not knowing everything - they wont expect you to!