ABS Credit Research Apprentice Review

I am a credit research apprentice, my daily tasks include working on the admin side of corporate actions, helping analysts with model work, compiling together weekly news. Considering I am an apprentice, I am given quite a bit of responsibility! I am given responsibilities of ensuring fund managers are aware of corporate actions, ensuring all funds have data populated against them. I also have the responsibility of ensuring that the weekly news is out on time and that it has a wide variety of content.

I am currently completing my Investment Operations Certificate, this has helped give me a general understanding how the financial sector works. However most of what I have learnt about Investment Management specifically has been on the job. My manager and all of my colleagues help me with any questions I have and always explain things in depth to further my understanding. I have also been given tasks that reinforces my knowledge. M&G have a dedicated place to access and view all training and this gives you the capability to apply to which ever courses you and your manager think will benefit you. There is also a company that specialise in guiding people from education to work, they are called Investment 2020. Investment 2020 provide courses, not just on learning about the financial industry but also on going from school to work, building linked in profile ect.

I must admit, going straight from school to a work environment, especially in the busy city, I was very nervous. However it is the best decision I have ever made, the work that I have to complete teaches me so much about my role now but also potential roles that I could fit in the future. It gives me an insight into analysts daily tasks also. M&G is a great company to work for, everyone is friendly. I feel that training and mentoring is always tailored specifically to my needs. Its a company that recognises success, which I find really good. Culture is good, even more so at Christmas! It really exceeded my expectations, as I said I was quite nervous but certainly the best decision I have ever made!

Baring in mind that I am given quite a lot of responsibility as an apprentice, I feel very valued as a employee at M&G Investments. My manager and I have weekly catch up meetings where we talk about anything that I don't understand, what I have done well this week and what can be improved, this will hopefully enhance my progression at M&G.

The programme is structured really well, I receive support from my team, HR and my training provider. My boss is very understanding of the fact I have to study whilst at work, and helps in any way he can. One of the perks is that you get 2 days study leave per exam you take, this really helped me because it gave me time to focus on just the exam, which in turn, helped me pass!

My training provider is always accessible, we meet with her once a month and she is always on the other side of the phone if we have a problem!

As I said above, a lot! You get time per week to study, also 2 days study leave before your exam. Also, as most people within the team have completed the same exams/similar exams, they always help out where they can.

The salary is very good for an apprentice. However London is an expensive place to be, whether its travelling to/from, daily costs such as food and socialising can become quite expensive. But all worth it! Great location, right in the centre near everything.

Yes, there are always chances to network whether its at M&G or external events. There are always opportunities to learn from experienced people, I feel this will in turn help me progress at M&G.

Yes

I would recommend M&G to a friend because its a great place to work. Its a very supportive and positive environment to work in and really gives me the motivation to progress high up within the business.

Be yourself! Use the interviews as a chance to show what you can do. Stand out from the crowd, if you've done something that you are proud of, tell the interviewer and relate this to how the skills that you gained, could help you as an employee at M&G.