Derivative Operations Administrator Review

My job title is a Derivatives Operations Administrator. I work within investment operations working on the back office operations of trades. My team is split into two, Exchange Traded Derivatives (ETD) and Over-The-Counter (OTC) Derivatives; I work within the OTC team. We have many daily tasks to complete involving reconciliation, monitoring the life cycle of a trade, resolving ad-hoc queries, understanding and following EMIR Regulations and many more.

I have nearly completed my IOC certificate after passing two exams and sitting my final one in 3 weeks time. The modules have helped me to gain a greater understanding of the industry as a whole as well as the background of my own job role. My apprenticeship has helped me develop a lot of skills such as my social skills, analytical thinking, communication skills and it has also improved my confidence.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship programme. M&G is such a friendly and welcoming company where I was made to feel at home as soon as I joined. I get on very well with my team and have learnt how they all work as individuals also as time has gone on. M&G have been very supportive of my programme and will always offer advice if needed.

I feel valued by M&G from all different directions. My manager will give me praise when I have been doing well in my job role. I will also receive praise from my training provider and apprenticeship manager whenever I am doing well within the scheme.

My programme is very well structured. As soon as I joined M&G I was given an overview of my team and what we do as well as what our role is within the business. I also met with my training provider who advised me of my 18 month plan (i.e. exams and portfolio). I meet with my training provider every 6-8 weeks, I meet with my apprenticeship manager quarterly to review my progress and I also have regular one-to-one's with my line manager.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. Since being at M&G I have had two different personal tutors who have both offered me great support and guidance. If I am ever struggling with exams they have done their best to find me extra help and support to ensure that I do the best I can do.

I have received a great deal of support from M&G throughout my programme. My manager and team have always given me time away from my desk to meet the requirements of my apprenticeship (e.g. revising for my exams, attending courses). The HR team have also provided a lot of support - at points where I have been struggling with my exams they have always done what they can so that I have had to best help and support that I could get.

I think the apprenticeship salary at M&G is excellent. My wages allow me to comfortably pay out for my travel, daily costs (i.e. lunch), living costs (i.e. rent) and social costs. I think that M&G offer young people a great opportunity to earn while they learn.

I am always receiving invites for social networking events, courses, training days etc. M&G is a part of the Investment 2020 which is a great opportunity as we are given the chance to go to events and meet people in the same age group in different companies providing us with a lot of networking opportunities.

Yes

I would definitely recommend M&G to a friend. I believe from my experience that it is a great company to work for. Everyone at M&G is friendly and welcoming and the company will provide you with a great range of opportunities to help you pursue your career in financial services.

A main tip that I would advise for the application process is to ensure that you stand out from the other candidates and seem enthusiastic about the opportunity being offered. In preparation for the interview, ensure that you research M&G as a company and gain an understanding of what they do as this will really work to your advantage.