Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice Review

My role includes balancing both my full-time responsibilities with my employer and completing this fast-track degree apprenticeship to the best of my ability. That includes all client responsibilities and day-to-day tasks as well as attending lectures and completing assignments to their deadlines. My IBM responsibilities can vary every day as we could be working at any different client at any time in a completely different role, which adds to the challenge and intrigue of taking on such an opportunity.

I have really strengthened my time management skills by making sure my IBM and Degree responsibilities are both maintained to the highest of standards. In addition to this, any new opportunity or role is taken on at IBM allows me to develop myself further both personally and professionally. For example, in one of my client roles, I am acting as a team lead where I am able to develop my leadership and management skills thoroughly. In a previous role I acted as a Business Analyst, so was able to improve my analysis, stakeholder management and team working skills further. With the degree, I am learning a lot about the concepts around being a manager and the theories that individuals work off of to be the best manager they can be - whether that is for a project or a team.

I really enjoy my programme as, although it can be stressful at times, the end results are rewarding with completing an assignment with a great grade and also completing work responsibilities with no issues. The team at Manchester Met are so supportive and understanding of the fact that we are full-time staff coming in to study so work with us to ensure we don't hinder our working responsibilities but also understand the new knowledge we are taking in and complete all assignments with the highest of knowledge. IBM are also equally supportive of this as they ensure we take time off for our studies and not overburden ourselves with client work - to ensure we are making the most out of our degree while also keeping our work-life healthy (guaranteeing a work-life balance).

As the programme is run and organised by Manchester Met, I would say the programme is well structured and well planned out. Each module has content ready and pre-recorded for students who cannot make F2F/Virtual sessions and the lecturers are at hand to answer any queries if we need them. The career coaches at Manchester Met act as our mentors and support team to hold regular reviews with us on our journey to completion while also being at hand to answer any burning questions and support us with any difficulties we may have. IBM is also well organized by ensuring everyone we work with are aware of our educational responsibilities and gives us the requested time we need to work on our studies and assignments - so all-in-all a well thought out programme.

IBM provides immense support from the get-go for all apprentices on their programmes. With the degree apprenticeships, they are aware of the intense workload that can come from both the full-time work and degree so ensure all apprentices take a day away for studies - if they require it. Every apprentice is encouraged to take one day away from work to focus on their studies and assignments to ensure all responsibilities are completed at the highest of standards. IBM Managers (EPMs) are at hand to support any difficulties, queries or stressful moments to ensure their apprentices are doing well and are not close to burnout etc.

Manchester Met provides a lot of support when it comes to this degree apprenticeship. When outlining the modules, they ensure every avenue is covered by offering pre-recorded content for students who cannot make some sessions while also recording any virtual session for students to go back through. They also have lecturers with who you can book sessions to go through any queries around assignments/topics. There is an abundance of resources to use as well such as the online library and any papers they recommend or provide a copy of to ensure you understand the new concepts being taught and can apply them to any assignments or work-based experiences you may have. All-in-all, I believe Manchester Met are very supportive and helpful when it comes to this degree apprenticeship and am satisfied with the help I get.

My qualification helps me understand the key concepts around management and allows me to apply them in a variety of different scenarios. For example, in a client-based role, now that I understand the concepts around Sales and Marketing I was able to apply them in a client project and market a solution to them that would help resolve a pain point. I feel, as and when I am able to take on a manager-style role, that I will be able to complete it successfully as I know more about the role and the concepts around it and can successfully apply them.

There are many extracurricular activities to get involved in. There are various communities you can be a part of to feel welcome and involved in the company. There are also many socials that employees can be involved in (although virtual for now). In addition to this, employees can take part in 'Giveback' events - this is where the company volunteers at local schools, events etc to help out the community or promote IBM opportunities to make interested students aware of the opportunities available at IBM.

Yes

I would recommend IBM just off of the support provided through your professional career as well as the many opportunities available for all employees (from apprentices to graduates). There are many career progression opportunities and the type of work available really pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to continuously learn which, in the future, will really help with any new career choices or alternate paths you wish to take.

Make sure to do your research on the company before applying - this shows your interest and intrigue in the company. If there are any experience days/events held by IBM for students, make every effort to join them as current apprentices will join these to talk about their experiences, give any tips and advice and also answer any questions you may have - which is always very helpful.