Sales and Business Development Degree Apprentice Review

My role is to win business and develop the future product portfolio through collaboration with industry partners and new markets. Most my day is spent engaging with customers as well as the internal project team leading a campaign. As my apprenticeship is structured for placement rotations, each day is different depending on the department. I also spend a lot of time travelling to different MBDA and customer sites, and I am currently on placement in Paris.

I have developed so many new skills since starting at MBDA, including developing my personal presence, confidence and communication styles. Furthermore, I have developed role-specific skills, for example strategic analysis, forecasting and how to build collaborative relationships. I have also been able to enhance my project management and marketing skills, which are embedded in each campaign I am part of.

I really enjoy my program. I think it is perfectly balanced with 1 day a week at university and 4 days working. This develops many transferable skills and the company supports me to align to my vision, goals and career growth. The company has provided so many opportunities which I would not have had if it wasn't for my apprenticeship, and I learn and grow more every day due to this.

The company structures the program well, with a good balance of university time, work hours but also embedding CPD and training into the programme to enhance our development.

I am so privileged to have such an amazing support system at MBDA, from HR, my managers, peers and other apprentices and graduates. The ECP HR team are wonderful at addressing concerns and actioning change when needed, which is much appreciated. When starting at the company, you are also provided a 'buddy', who is an apprentice from the previous year, who provides support before you join the company and your time throughout. Mine has been wonderful and put me to ease when starting at 18, and now we are good friends.

As one of the class representatives at my university, I have visibility of the support provided from the program and module leaders. The lecturers also provide support and understanding when setting assignments or exams so that we are as prepared as possible. They also understand the flexibility required as apprentices, which is appreciated.

Each learning area at university directly correlates to the workplace, which improves the performance and applicability between the two institutes. The qualification has given me a new insight into the business environment and I use the experience from university in my job role very frequently.

I have been involved in multiple extra curricular activities since I started at MBDA as there are such a large amount of networks, events and groups available to participate in. To name a few I have been involved: Netball Mosaic Events Team (Ethnic Diversity Network) - including a networking event run externally Charity Events - Charity Dinner, ECP Summer Ball Conference Planning MBDA Sports and Social Club Committee IGNITE (ECP Network) PRIDE Network (LGBTQ+) GEN-EQ But there are many more to chose from, and there is definitely one for everybody which I like as it is very inclusive.

Yes

- The support - The work is interesting and engaging - Placement Rotations - Control over your career - Lovely colleagues - Industry experience - Feeling of value

- Be confident in yourself, your capability and personality - Be friendly and approachable - Ask questions!! - Do research on the industry, the company, the values etc - Be engaged in conversation - non verbal communication is so important!!