Investment 2020 Apprentice Review

by abrdn

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.2/10

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

I am involved in working with the business to review processes and controls. I also am involved in creating management information to highlight key issues in workflows and processes.

10/10

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

Definitely, when I joined I had no experience. I now have relevant qualifications and have worked in asset management for over a year. I have gained confidence and I am much more articulate when making a point and analysing data to come to a final conclusion.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It was fantastic. Even though a lot of the year has been working from home, there is plenty of people to talk to and the culture makes it very easy to connect with people/areas you are interested in.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme had some structure. However, I did sometimes find there was a lack of awareness for managers. The online learning sessions in which we got to meet people from around the business was great and something I wish we got more of.

8/10

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

The support was fantastic. I had a line manager, a buddy and the early careers team to fall back on for support. I never felt like I didn't know who to go to.

10/10

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

The apprenticeship provider gave us a significant amount of help to allow us to complete our qualifications. While the qualification is very much done in your own time, I had clear set expectations for every meeting and always felt that these goals were achievable.

10/10

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

The qualification was somewhat helpful in getting me up to speed in the start. I think the main benefit of it was the communication skills I gained which included presentation skills.

7/10

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.)

Yes! However, Covid has meant there is less than when I started (unless you love a quiz). There was plenty of social events and the culture is one of allowing you to have a social life. I would say there is less sport related activities outside of golf.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend abrdn to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company is a great place to work. The benefits are phenomenal and the culture allows for a young person just getting started to express their ideas.

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

I would recommend understanding the history of the company and really knowing what a asset manager does to add values to clients. People will be very impressed if you understand markets and the asset management business.