Assistant Business Development Officer Review

The main tasks include European Business Development, Commercial Management, Project Management and Stakeholder Management & Representation of the department. To construct business validation cases where appropriate to enable the business to make informed commercial decisions and investigate opportunities and present business case scenarios with risk and reward quantified in reasonable detail.

In order to perform my role effectively, I have had to develop my communication, negotiating and leading skills. These skills have been and continuously are developed upon under the guidance of my manager. Marketing and commercial reasoning, Business Domain (3C, VPC, IA) Analysis, Business networking and communications, Managerial accounting, Project management, Negotiations, persuasion and presentation skills are skills they I have learnt and continued to develop throughout the apprenticeship. Database and spread sheet skills

The team that I work with provide me with the most enjoyment and the culture of the company is second to none. There is a hard working ethic amongst employees but also a willingness to support and aid the development of colleagues across the organization. The opportunities I have been exposed to within the company (travelling and innovative projects) was something I never expected and am very grateful for.

The programme at Aston has improved during my time on the course. My personal skills tutor has been extremely supportive and helpful throughout the duration of the course and has helped maintain my motivation to continue during tough periods (such as covid-19). Earlier on the course wasn't organised in the best way but now as I near the end, with new programme directors, massive improvements have been made, especially with communication.

My employer has been extremely supportive throughout the duration of the course and has always stressed that my studies come first and are the highest priority during busy periods. My line manager, being a former apprentice himself on a degree course, fully understands the stress and pressures that apprenticeships present so offers their support at every opportunity and has a real willingness to help.

My personal skills tutor has been fantastic throughout my programme and has always been there to offer their support whenever I have needed it. During modules where I have encountered some issues, my tutor has always offered their advice as well as escalating any issues higher up that required attention.

There have been numerous modules on the course that have really supported and aided my own development within the workplace with not only knowledge but the basis of skills that have enabled me to go onto perform tasks within the company. I definitely have a wider breadth of knowledge and skills that I have been able to directly apply within the organisation.

Prior to the global pandemic, my employer organised multiple activities such as company wide fun days for all employees. Specifically for the apprenticeship programme, different team building events were organised either out of bounds or onsite to help us develop vital skills and learn to work better together. With restrictions lessening, hopefully these events will start to be planned again.

Yes

There is a real family culture within the company and managers make sure all employees feel valued and acknowledged as well as appreciated for their efforts. Within the company there are plenty of opportunities for individuals to be supported with their own personal development as well as multiple opportunities for progression and to move up.

Answer all questions honestly and do your research beforehand so you have a knowledge of the company and the industry they operate in so they you can ask appropriate questions during the interview process. Arrive early for interviews and assessment days dress appropriately for the role that you are applying for.