Senior Review

I work on a range of financial projects, usually for large retail banks. Projects can range in the nature of work and size, however, I am primarily aligned to projects that are suitability reviews of mortgages and investment advice. I am currently engaged on a mortgage project for a retail bank.

In the duration of my degree apprenticeship at Northumbria, I do believe I have learnt and developed new skills despite already having an existing degree. My ability to reflect and take a step back in order to solve problems in the workplace has definitely improved as a result of the course.

I thoroughly enjoy my degree apprenticeship programme in Business Leadership & Management Practice. It is a lot of work, but the topics covered are interesting and really get you thinking about how they could be applied to your work. The programme leader is particularly understanding of our commitments compared with 'traditional students', which has been extremely helpful.

The programme is generally well organised/structured covering off all different elements of business and leadership. There is some overlap of content between modules, but the majority of the time this is complementary. As this is the first year that an end point assessment is being done with the CMI there have been some minor teething points in relation to that element, however, I don't think they will be of concern for future cohorts of students.

We all receive great support from our employer. We are able to attend university every week as a norm and our workload is tailored around this where necessary. The employer ensures that we get adequate study day entitlement in order to complete assignments to a high standard. From anecdotes from other students they are not always given such support and understanding in terms of conflicting work and educational priorities.

We receive fantastic support from Northumbria both when on and off site. As already mentioned our programme leader is particularly supportive, answering all questions in relation to assignments or other matters promptly and is fully aware of our commitments in respect of having a full time job whilst studying. All lecturers are receptive to feedback and take the time to provide detailed feedback on any work that we submit. We are also allocated a professional development coach for the duration of our studies.

I believe the qualification is useful in the work place, especially in terms of the reflective element of the course which makes problem solving easier. As I am not new to the organisation there are some things that I have already learnt through work but it is good to get an understanding from a different perspective and many apprentices would not usually get the opportunity to learn about some of the topics covered until much later on in their career at the firm, whereas they will through the training provider.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. I personally play netball for the office team and I am a member of the book club. There are also socials that can people can attend as well as the opportunity to attend multiple CSR days a year and there is a whole team dedicated to 'sports & social' who are often able to obtain discounts for a number of external events.

Yes

Because the work/life balance is great given that you would not usually expect it from such a big firm. The work is project based so is varying and enjoyable, everyone is friendly and the atmosphere in the office is great. I have actually referred three friends to my employer previously.

Focus on your strengths and be genuine and enthusiastic - particularly if the interview stage is reached. Do research on the company and current affairs as commercial awareness is always useful - it is also useful to know how current affairs might have an impact on the service line you are applying to. Make sure you practice online numerical and verbal reasoning tests before applying. Most of all just be yourself.