PMR Research Apprentice Review

I work on the PMR team which is a subsection of the product development team. Daily tasks include researching news and other relevant information that may be of use to the Product development/ sales teams. I also read and summarise performance reports which are useful for the team.

I have learnt a lot of new skills- firstly after just over 3 months I completed my first IOC exam (introduction to securities and investment). I have also complete two online excel courses which have greatly improved my excel skills. I have learnt to use the data sources that the team uses. This includes: Echo Web, Broadridge, and morning star. I have also learnt a lot about the asset management industry and financial services industry in general.

The work is very interesting and I enjoy taking part in the different projects that the team does. The members of my team are very friendly and are always willing to help me learn new skills and try to include me in their work where possible. The company culture is also very good. One criticism that I have of the programme is: I don't think that the NVQ part of the apprenticeship is particularly useful. I don't believe that the written work is helping me to learn more than taking on more work within the team would do. To conclude to work met my expectations, the NVQ did not. Overall I do enjoy the programme.

I think that my manager appreciates the work that I do. In addition to this when ever I do work for other members of the team they are always very appreciative. I would, however, like to be involved with more of the projects- Though I do understand that because of my limited experience with the data sources (morning star, a key data source, can be hard to use) it is sometimes difficult to include me, though, where they can they do. A recent project that I was involved with was gathering data for some of the slides that our team were proving for the global sales meeting. This was an important piece of work therefore being a part of it made me feel valued.

The program at M&G is very well structured. When I initially joined my team a lot of training was provided. For example because excel is used a lot in our team I spent the first few days learning how to use it. I also completed two online courses and I am also attending an in house training day. A lot of support is given. Studying is entirely independent and aside from the book and the website there was no other support. I have weekly catch ups with my manager as well as monthly catch ups with the course assessor and HR. This makes the course feel structured and organised.

You meet with your advisor monthly. He books your exam and sets the written side of the NVQ. He also observes you in the work place. I feel that I could go to my assessor with any problems that I have with the course. They have a good attitude with supporting you completing the programme.

I receive a lot of support from my manager. We meet weekly to discuss my work and how the programme is going. Not only does she keep track of the work that I do in the team she also keeps track of the work that I need to complete for the apprenticeship. She allows me the time that I need to revise for the exam and complete the written work. Overall very supportive. I have met with HR twice since joining. Each time they have checked to see how I am finding the apprenticeship they too are very supportive. I feel that I could go to my manager with any problems that I have; she has a very good attitude towards supporting the scheme and myself.

The salary offered is similar to other apprenticeships at asset managers in the city. I feel that the salary is generous and covers my expenses. However I live with my parents therefore they are relatively low. Traveling to work is my largest expense.

There are plenty of things to do outside work. There is a social and sports committee that organises events. There are plenty of bars and pubs near by. There are also gyms and sports clubs. There are lots of events aimed specifically at the apprentices, not only from M&G but also other asset managers so you have a chance to meet with a variety of different people from lots of different firms.

Yes

I would recommend M&G. The programme is very well structured and there is support when needed. Socially there is lots to do. I would recommend M&G to anyone looking to enter the asset management industry. Please bare in mind that though I'm sure everyone's experience is fairly similar because each team is different it is possible that your experience may be different to mine.

1) Learn as much as you can about M&G. Read their website and their parent company's website. 2) Learn as much as you can about the asset management industry 3) Try and learn about what your team does in particular- your interviewer will appreciate that you are inexperienced but they will expect you to have at least made an effort to learn about your role and team.