IT Project Manager Review

My day to day job is as a IT Project Manager, daily tasks can include carrying out project management related activities, hosting/joining calls, working on business analyst & user experience design tasks. Daily I will interact with manager if I need to, although its not always work related. Other interactions include developers, apprentice colleagues, other managers and consultants. I mainly work on assisting to deliver IT projects to our marketing function within the company, carrying out the relevant tasks above.

I've gained heavy internal training on business analysis, user experience design, testing & project management. This has given me a real breadth of skills ranging from people management to personal time & communications skills. I've been sent on external training courses as well, such as a day learning how to code, which was designed to give me the capability to challenge our developers on the effort needed for activities.

Work wise, every day is a different challenge and there is always something to do. If you want more, you ask for more - if you're overworked you either manage your time better or speak to your manager and off load some work. Everyday at work is an enjoyment. This is also due to the great people I get to work with everyday, I've met some colleagues who I would call friends outside of work... you can't really ask for much more. Unilever wasn't what I expected... It was different, but in a great way.

I feel that Unilever have and still are investing real time and value in making sure that I become a well rounded employee. They are investing in my future, and I get treated exactly like every other employee, with the same respect and value of opinion.

You are inducted for a couple of days when you start the program. Then you begin working 5 days a week, with around 1/2 day allocation for carrying out your diploma and university work. Your work structure is decided by your manager, and can greatly vary from manager to manager - however, the diploma and University side are run very efficiently.

The training provider are always on hand to help you with any queries or worries. You have monthly reviews and catch-ups to make sure that you are getting everything you need from your host employer and from them, themselves.

Your employer (e.g. manager), is essentially your mentor. They will provide you with all the work opportunities that you need to succeed within the company and gain the skills required. If you have any issues, they are always on hand to help you sort them out or provide advice. On the other hand - you are given the freedom to function as an independent employee, just like everyone else.

The salary is very competitive. If you have to travel to a different location, this is paid for. You can't really hope for a better salary than this, as an apprentice.

There's usually some sort of social event going on that you can attend. There are countless volunteering opportunities through either our brands positive impact schemes or foodbanks. You can always use the gym, and go with your colleagues for some extra motivation.

Yes

Its an excellent company, that supports you ever step of the way and is prepared to invest in your future, as long as you are committed at the same level.

Don't be nervous, there's a couple of interview stages. Just be yourself, it makes giving honest and correct answers easy... they aren't trying to trip you up, they are just trying to find out what sort of person you are and if you fit with Unilever. They want to learn who you are, not who you think they want you to be.