ESG Investment School Leaver Review

by abrdn

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I work within the ESG Investment team which is focusing on responsible investment. My day to day role includes writing a weekly newsletter, attending meetings on the wider team and business, spending time on my professional qualifications, emails, research and larger projects.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes definitely. I have had the opportunity to develop so many skills. This includes communication, time management, listening, discovering different ways of working. We have also been able to attend sessions on resilience and learning more about the business. We also get monthly newsletters to help us develop skills.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love it - there is so much variety within my programme and so many opportunities to learn more, personally and professionally.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well - we have newsletters every month covering certain topics and then with this there is a session of practical training and lots of handy online advice and further reading to be done on this. Lots of things are considered and we even had a session with a financial advisor to help us with our own lives.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support and I also know that if I was struggling the option would be there to reach out for more. The early careers team within the company are amazing and are always on hand to help.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Loads! I have access to online books and videos to help with the studying, I see my coach for my Apprenticeship once a month, we get loads of support in our current and future career progression but I know if I needed it I could reach out to receive more.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I take part in any opportunities that are available to me! This has included opportunities to speak at events, helping recruit new talent at careers fairs, being involved in the companies networks and attending events they run, helping to host social events for me team and attending research trips when I can.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend abrdn to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is such an inclusive environment and I do not feel I have been judged for being younger the whole time I've been there. I have learnt so much and has given me so much motivation for what I want to do with my life.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to abrdn?

Be yourself during the interview process, let them know what you are interested in, get involved in as many new things as you can, don't be put off because its finance - there is something for everyone!