Project Manager Review

I have been working with my line manager on various IT and infrastructure projects. This includes attending various project team meetings, liaising with stakeholders and managing project tasks. I have also been given my own project to manage and have been in contact with external suppliers and taking lead of my own project team meetings.

I'm currently in the process of gaining a Project Management qualification with APM, which is a great opportunity to develop my professional skills. I have been able to develop my presentation and communication skills as I have been given the opportunity to take responsibility over my own project work.

I really enjoy the culture of the workplace which makes me look forward to going into the office. The culture in the office is great and everyone feels welcome and included. I have a great sense of being part of the inclusive culture as there are various networking groups, e.g BEM groups and religious groups in which I'm a part of.

I had a two week induction period to familiarise myself with their service, culture and policies. These two weeks were well planned as I met with significant people within the organisation including a lunch meet and greet with the CEO. I was able to get to know other apprentices within the organisation who were on a similar journey as myself. I was given great support from my line manager right from the onset, she introduced me to a mentor that I could speak with and shadow if she was unavailable for any reason. I was also given a tour of the building and various teams.

Right from the time I was offered my interview the HR team have been of great support, they were patient and understanding to give me time to get my documentation together. At times where I was anxious, they reassured me that my position was still secure and need not to worry. We have a good HR portal and information on our intranet, that provide all information needed. There are great benefits of being an employee for example, reward benefits, retail discounts, work from home scheme. There are also various social networks that I'm part of to allow me to engage with other employees within the organisation. The sport and social network organise various social activities, Christmas parties and theatre trips. The organisation is very mindful of the mental and physical health of the employers so there is a mental health first aid service available at all times and there is a gym onsite.

The training provider have also been supportive, but this can be improved. I think that I should have been given my text book right from the start of the course as well as the exam syllabus. This would have helped prepare me for the exam as more time would have been given to revise. My mentor has been supportive with my exam preparation which I'm very grateful for. I do wish that the lectures/seminars were not webinar based, but class room based as it will help with the interaction with other apprentices.

The modules that I have been studying have been of great help during my day-to-day job. For example I have a better understanding of the project life cycle and the project management plan. The learning I gain form the modules have been applied directly to my own projects. My biggest improvement has been when communicating and managing my stakeholders and their expectations. I feel well equipped to work in another sector of project management and I'll be able to apply my learning to that specific sector.

I have personally joined the sport and social society, the Christian network and the BEM network. The various networks have weekly meetings and special events that takes place through-out the year. There is opportunity to volunteer to be part of the planning team and make suggestions. There is also the opportunity to volunteer to become a mentor for a senior member of staff which is uncommon on most work places. I think this incentive is very positive to share experiences and build relationships within the organisation. As an organisation we give and raise money to a charity and we are able to contribute to this individually through our salary.

Yes

I think they will enjoy the work environment and be given a good opportunity to develop their professional career at a reputable organisation. There is regular training opportunities to sign up to that is not limited to your role, but also on how to develop yourself as an individual such as a training I attended to on emotional intelligence. This organisation provides its employees with great benefits and looks after people from all walks of life.

I would advise to do some research before applying, find out about what service they provide and what their policies are. This will help when writing your application and preparing for your interview. Also make sure that you know about the role that you are applying for, as questions will be asked about your knowledge of the role and the skills required. Make sure you are prepared, but don't prepare a script- answer the questions truthfully in your own words. Individualism is important. Make sure that you also have questions prepared for the interviewer for example ask them what is like working there (the culture, their favourite part of the job). This will give you an indication to know if you want the work there if you were offered a position.