Project Manager Review

I currently work as a Junior Project Manager within the Infrastructure Cloud Platform team shadowing my line manager and helping him with his projects such as risk and issues logs, running daily calls, engaging with stakeholders, creating migration plans. I am also managing a Pilot for a new vendor that will be introduced to Unilever. I have had to create an 8 week plan with all the necessary tasks to be completed during that time.

I have been involved with many training opportunities whilst on my apprenticeship. Recently I have complete my ITIL IT Service Management Foundation qualification. I have also been involved in several workshops such as Presentation Skills, Raising Personal Effectiveness and Thrive. All of these have helped me build on skills I already have such as presentation and communication.

Before starting my programme I was very nervous about working in such a big company and I honestly didn't know what to expect. However, the last almost two years have been the most positive! The team I work in have always been very supportive and go above and beyond to make sure I progress. I have never felt so welcomed! My line manager has also helped solidify my understanding and has always taken the time to explain everything to me no matter how complex or simple just to make sure I fully understand. The work I have completed over the programme has been challenging but my team has never let me fail. I feel I have been given lots of responsibility within my role as well as feeling that my opinion is valued. The programme exceeded every expectation I had of an apprenticeship!

I have had the opportunity to work projects which are well known with both VP's and Directors. I have received excellent feedback from other project and programme managers I have worked with as well as from my Director.

Programme organised however I do feel once you are in your team there is little instruction to line managers. Luckily my line manager and I have a close working relationship and I was able to explain to him about my coursework and exams etc. I'm not sure whether this is fault on the training provider or the apprenticeship team within Unilever. I feel line managers need more understanding what having an apprentice entails and what each programme is offering and what that'll mean for them.

I have has a few minor issues with my assessor however everyone in Unilever was aware and have worked to try and rectify this. I have a monthly review with my assessor to go through the coursework and what we are writing at the moment. In terms of tutoring for the exam, I had several workshops in Leeds which we brilliant, they were structured really well and Lynn who delivered the training was a great tutor. She allowed us to send practice answers to her to mark and went above and beyond with any questions we had!

My line manager has supported me throughout my programme, helping me succeed and giving me the confidence to manage complex and challenging projects. He has always made sure I am included in meetings and that technical jargon is always explained.

All my costs are covers with the wages received including - car, car insurance, tax, housekeep, mobile phone contract and gym membership.

Brathay Challenge - involves going to schools and promoting apprenticeships and completing a community project. Outreach team - going to different schools and colleges around the North West talking to students from years 10 -12 about Unilever Apprenticeships.

Yes

I attended University for two years and due to personal reasons I decided to leave. The apprenticeship programme compared to University have been so much more positive. I am supported and responsible in a large organisation and no one can teach you what I've learnt, it has all been through experiences and networking that I have excelled in the role I am in. You're treated like a person and not another number or face in a lecture hall.

Be yourself!