Investment Banking Degree Apprentice Review

As an IB Degree Apprentice, my role can vary from day-to-day. Some of my daily tasks include: logging information for my team, conducting data research and analysis, attending meetings and making notes, formatting and creating documents/presentations for my team, and also learning new skills on the job for my own development (e.g. using technical software/presentation skills).

Yes, I have learnt a lot of new skills. Ranging from data analysis and interpretation to research skills and communication. I have leant how to conduct myself in a professional corporate environment and how to manage my time and workload effectively, alongside my studies as well.

I really enjoy my programme. I feel as if I have developed so much in the time I have been here and I have taken on a very steep learning curve. It's not easy and I do struggle sometimes, but with every mistake comes a lesson and I have learnt and corrected a lot from mistakes I made early on into the programme. I have made some really good friends and connections, both inside my team and organisation and in other apprentice networks too.

It's quite well organised. The university weeks are well structured, with plenty of breaks to help us consolidate the learning we do. A normal working day depends on your team- so that structure will come from you and your managers. But overall, the course has a good structure, with plenty of time to complete assignments and tasks. The first semester of the programme is very heavily front loaded so it was quote overwhelming. But with good time management and hard work, it is manageable.

A lot of support. They are very encouraging and want us all to succeed. If any issues occur, they are very quick to help you and to try sort it out as soon as they can.

A lot of support, once again. QMUL have been great at outlining our studies and schedules, alongside our goals and targets for the programme. They act on feedback received and periodically check in on us. our progress and how we feel about the course.

It dos help to know the academic processes behind what you're doing at work but some of the concepts may not be totally relevant to your desks/the current financial services industry. Some concepts are more classical and aren't really used in industry as much, but it does help to know. But overall, the qualification does help you develop your financial thinking skills and teaches you some core knowledge needed by anyone working in this field.

With work, I don't really get involved with any of these activities, mainly because I commute and have a lot of personal hobbies outside of the job. However, I do go out with my team and fellow apprentices sometimes. I also try to go to professional networking events to expand my network and connect with other young professionals my age.

Yes

DB has a very inclusive community and I felt very welcome when I joined. You have a supportive network around you and the people you work with are professionals in their field, You learn a lot by just listening and talking to people around you and in your team, which really helps you thrive as an apprentice and a finance professional in the long run.

Be confident and trust in yourself- it's hard to break into IB at a young age, especially with no previous experience. so you have to trust in your abilities and back yourself though the application process and after. I'd also say you need to research the industry you're coming into and what you want to achieve/future career paths for you/opportunities. Many people will ask you what your longer term goals are, so it's good to have a rough idea of where your career will progress, so that they know how to help you achieve that. Also, research the culture of DB and what it stands for (its values). This helps you a lot when joining and when connecting with other people from across the bank.