Level 6 Apprentice - Business Innovation and Growth Review

Role: Level 6 Apprentice specialising in analysing Coop Loyalty data Answering client queries on software and additional guidance to give them in order for them to create reports and analyse their data in a more granular way. This also involved carrying out retailer analysis on performance and creating category overviews with recommendations and future actions.

I have developed lots of my soft skills even further such as presenting, how to communicate with clients and also dealing with queries under pressure. I have also gained the ability to understand different scenarios using different perspectives to see both the positives and negatives to multiple parties. This was achieved through my work analysing data on a day to day basic

I love working at Nielsen. I have not only enhanced my wider knowledge of the FMCG industry but also how to network amongst others and how I can carry out my communication skills and improved confidence into my personal life. It has provided me with a comfortable step onto the career ladder with a very clear structure on what it takes to develop and continue to grow within the business.

I feel like my opinions matter and that whatever I bring to the table, it is taken into account, even when I may be incorrect or the idea isn't used. They really take care of employees, providing the right amount of training and being there every step of the way using the buddy system and the stand-out support offered by managers and colleagues when joining as a new starter.

The programme I am on requires 1 day a month at a college in London and the rest of the time working within a team full time on a 6 month rotations around the business. After my first rotation in client-facing analytical role I managed to develop my skills with training set in place and milestones written down so that I knew I would be developing continuously. The structure to my apprenticeship is entirely up to me and what I would like experience in which makes it great. If I realise I would like to know more about a specific area, it can be arranged that I speak to someone in that department or maybe even can have a rotation there.

The training received is immense. There is always a training session if you need it, albeit a refresher session for something that has already been completed or if you want to improve skills, coaching, mentoring or gain knowledge in another part of the business. As the training is all internal, the person who runs the training always states how they are open to any additional questions throughout, after and in the future if need be.

The support is great at Nielsen, with a line manager that I deal with on a day to day basis and also an apprentice manager, I have all areas covered and am able to contact someone openly if I have an issue or would like to have a general chat about something. I can't pinpoint any negatives with the support I receive from Nielsen, the experience I have had so far has been great, with regular catch up sessions to encourage development points and strengths/weaknesses I have, too.

Being an apprentice, I always knew that my salary was never going to be significantly high and I have never been too particular over what my salary was going to be. I believe that it covers my costs. From the experience that I am getting from working in a globally renowned company, I believe that that is the most important thing that I am getting out of this apprenticeship, the money is just an added bonus in my opinion.

There are plenty of external opportunities that are on offer throughout the year and on the apprenticeship scheme we are welcomed to all of these and are not siloed away from anything. There's annual Charity days, international sports events, clubs and volunteer schemes which are all open to me as an apprentice. I have never not felt involved in activities that are happening outside of work. Even on work nights out at Christmas or a team day, we are always invited and not left out.

Yes

It is a truly incredible company to work for and I have never once felt that it wasn't the correct choice for me instead of going to university. It has gone above and beyond my expectations and the things I am doing at just 19 are everything and more I could've wished I was doing at this age. The develop opportunities are endless and the culture inside the business is very welcoming and inspiring. It is a really great place to work.

One thing that Nielsen is good at doing is hiring people who are genuine and willing to grow the business. I believe that in order to stand out in the recruitment process, having a down-to-earth persona is vital. They are looking for people who are good at socialising with others and are the type of people you would like to socialise with and work in a team alongside.