Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice (Fast Track) Review

My role includes balancing both my full-time client work with IBM and completing this fast-track degree apprenticeship to the highest of standards. That includes all client tasks and day-to-day tasks as well as attending lectures, completing assignments and attending webinars, all while meeting deadlines. My IBM responsibilities can differ every day as we could be working at any different client at any time in a completely different role, which really pushes me out of my comfort zone and challenges me both personally and professionally - which I enjoy.

I have really strengthened personal skills such as my time management skills by making sure my IBM and Degree responsibilities are both maintained to the highest of standards and also my interpersonal skills, communication, listening and more which all are required for the degree and can also be applied to my IBM work. In addition to this, any new role taken on at IBM allows me to develop myself further both personally and professionally. For example, I am currently leading a BAME community in IBM which, on top of my client work and Degree, can be challenging at times but is allowing me to develop new skills I never had before in management, leadership and more. 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 and all the knowledge and experience I am gaining from it. 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 organised and well structured. Each module has content ready and pre-recorded for students who cannot make F2F/Virtual sessions as well as recording any virtual session for students to go back through. Lecturers are also at hand to answer any queries if we need them. Manchester Met also have career coaches to mentor and support all apprentices through quarterly reviews, progress checking and being there to answer any queries we may have. IBM is also well organized by ensuring everyone is aware of our educational responsibilities, giving us the requested time we need to work on our studies and assignments.

IBM provides plenty of support for all apprentices on their programmes. As they are aware of the intense workload that can come from both the full-time work and degree, they ensure all apprentices take a day away for studies if required. IBM Managers (EPMs) also support any difficulties, queries or stressful moments to ensure their apprentices are doing well and aren't dissatisfied with their work, their degree or any other area.

Manchester Met provides a lot of support surrounding this degree apprenticeship. Every module offers pre-recorded content for students who cannot make some sessions while also recording any virtual session for students to go back through. Lecturers allow students to book sessions with them and go through any queries around assignments/topics. There are also plenty of resources in the form of an online library, research papers at hand and even assignment support documents to help students who may be unsure of what to do.

My qualification helps me understand the key concepts of management and how to apply them in different working scenarios. For example, in a client-based role, now that I understand the concepts around Managing and Leading People, which I am now using in my community leadership role with my team - allowing us to run successfully and allow myself to be a sufficient leader of the team.

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 - such as the BAME community I am leading. There are also plenty of socials to be a part of - whether on a client team or with your IBM team/apprentices. IBM also offers employees the chance to help out with Giveback activities to help give back to the communities we work in through attending school events, career events, volunteering and more.

Yes

I would recommend IBM due to the sheer support provided by the apprentice team and the wider company. Everyone is aware of your educational commitments and are welcoming when it comes to needing study time or help. The career progression routes are also very broad with any sort of career/route possible in the Business/IT industry. The work really pushes you out of your comfort zone, wanting you to develop personally and professionally - which is very appealing and widely accepted in any industry.

Make sure to do your research on the company and if you make it to the assessment centre, please make sure to be yourself and not put on a persona for the day - IBM is looking to hire the real you so bring all your strong points with the real version of you. Also attend as many events that IBM host for students - current apprentices join these and offers insights into their journey, tips and advice and can answer any burning questions you may have!