Apprentice Project Manager Review

My role involves managing marketing projects on a global brand. Typically, I spend time preparing for project calls, where we discuss project tasks, risks and issues. I then send out detailed minutes. My job involves a lot of collaboration so one minute i might be working on a project schedule and then next I might be collaboratively thinking on new product concepts.

I have had the opportunity to do my APM PMQ qualification as part of my apprenticeship provider's course. I have developed lots of soft skills like leadership and teamwork, as well as improved my confidence in presenting. I have also developed my marketing and branding skills, and general project management.

I work with a really supportive team and have a good relationship with my line manager, who ensures the team culture is positive. I feel happy at work and confident in my role and responsibilities to the team. My apprenticeship met my expectations compared to how it was portrayed in advertising.

My induction process took a while, with my training provider not getting properly started for a while. However, once the induction was complete it was a smooth process. I get sufficient study days to complete my work and I have good support from my line manager and the wider apprenticeship network.

My line manager is very supportive, and is always happy to help me - providing constructive criticism and teaching me lots of new skills. I feel comfortable to approach with any problems. I have not received much support from the HR team, and I do not have a mentor. However my manager and my team can always help.

I have monthly calls with my training coach who reviews my work. Sometimes it takes a while to get feedback, and there is not always lots of points, so I find it difficult to know where to improve. The coach who took us through the APM PMQ qualification was incredibly supportive, and provided lots of great examples and advice for the exam. I find the course is very relevant towards my daily role.

I think the course is really relevant to my job role, and has helped me to better manage my projects. I am not always able to directly implement the theory, as the organisation follows different practices, but I can always get the general idea across. I think project management is widely applicable so I feel confident that the skills learnt in my qualification are helpful for my future.

As we are working from home, there hasnt been as much. However, the apprenticeship community have recently organised several events for networking/ social purposes which have been really great to help build a good support network. I haven't seen any sport teams/ work socials organised, apart from the Christmas do.

Yes

Unilever is a really big global company so you have the opportunity to work with lots of different people from different backgrounds and expertise. The brands you work on are really well known so it's great to be able to make a difference that people will physically see, and the company culture is good.

Be yourself - showcase your soft skills and what you already know in relation to the function you're applying for. The interviewer won't expect you to know everything as you are only starting out in your career, but it's great to have a good work experience to be able to show that you can work effectively in a team.