Internal Portfolio Client Reporting Apprentice Review

My role as a Client Reporting Analyst Apprentice involves transferring cash between funds as well as providing valuations and reports about the different portfolios that we process transfers for. It involves communication with many different areas of the business and this exposure has really helped me to gain an understanding of the different areas of investment management. We work with internal and external clients and some of my daily tasks include processing cash that is to be invested into pension funds, instructing cash movements into/out of our funds and putting together valuations. We also process a lot of ad hoc requests including the payment of fees and are often involved with many different projects. My colleagues are very supportive and happy to assist but are also willing to give me responsibility.

As part of my apprenticeship I am completing the Investment Operations Certificate. There is lots of internal support from my team, my training provider who I see monthly and HR. I am given time off the desk to revise so the work/revision balance is great. Along with this there are often internal courses that we attend some of which are training for my area and some of which provide an overview of different areas. I have developed my excel skills massively as well as everyday skills such as team work, confidence in public speaking, prioritising work, time keeping and meeting deadlines.

I really enjoy my programme as the work is varied and interesting and completing the IOC alongside it has helped me to understand the work I do. My team are all lovely and welcomed me in very quickly, we often go out together for lunches and after work as well as team days out which are all very enjoyable. The other apprentices in the company are also great. The apprenticeship scheme has been running for a few years now with nearly all apprentices staying with their team once they complete it, meaning there are many people of all different ages who you can go to for advice. We are all very social as well and when I joined the existing apprentices made a real effort to arrange days out/lunches so I could get to know everyone. Having these friends in many different areas is also a great way to network and meet even more people. HR also put on many events and have lots of groups that you can join kind of like uni societies. I think the reason I have settled in so quickly and why everyone is so friendly is because there is a really caring culture at M&G. You work very closely with everyone including the heads of departments and everyone is always happy to help. This culture makes it a really enjoyable place to work at and so more motivated to do well. Overall, they have exceeded my expectations.

M&G Investments is a very large company but all areas and teams are important to making sure everything runs smoothly. I was given a lot of responsibility as well as a lot of support from my team which makes me feel valued as they trust me to complete tasks on my own. They also help to explain what the work we do is used for which makes me feel that the work I do is important and I know how I am helping. We often have one to ones and yearly appraisals where managers will discuss all of the work you have done well as well as any areas for improvement. This positive approach to feedback does help you to feel valued.

My programme was very well structured and HR are in constant communication to see how I am getting on. My work provided me with a training log which we followed to make sure I had successfully been trained on all areas. We have a system that delegates tasks but we all help each other out. For my apprenticeship, my manager and I attended an induction with my training provider and HR which outlined how the programme would run which was very useful. I now have monthly meetings with my training provider where we go over the coursework I have done since the previous meeting and set targets for the next meeting. I have a book which I have for studying and 3 exams over 18 months. My team are very supportive of my apprenticeship work and allow me time away from the desk during the week so I can revise. In times when the team is very busy I do find myself prioritising work over study which can mean I revise in my own time but I have never felt overwhelmed by the amount of revision.

My training provider is very supportive and I am often in contact with my trainer regarding uploading coursework to the online portfolio as well as any help I need regarding the work. They are very encouraging and aim to get the exams done relatively quickly.

My employer is very supportive of all my work. She along with my team are constantly teaching me new processes and are happy to assist with any queries that I have. Regarding my apprenticeship work, she is always happy for me to go to meetings with my provider as well as have time away from my desk to revise. She is also very supportive of me attending Investment2020 events which are run externally for apprentices all around London. These events have ranged from building a LinkedIn profile to talks about asset management. HR are also very supportive and I have bi monthly meetings with them to discuss how I am finding the work and apprenticeship, they are always happy to meet/call if I need any advise. Also, I have been allocated a mentor in a completely different department of the company which is great as we regularly meet to learn about each others job roles and offer advice and someone who will listen. There are many great schemes and I feel very supported in all aspects.

My salary is very generous and more than enough to allow me to save a substantial amount each month whilst also paying living costs to my parents, commuting to London every day and covering social costs. I really enjoy that now I have enough to go out whenever I like to lunches/dinners and going out socially during the weekends as well being able to afford holidays. earning money whilst learning on the job is really great. M&G also offer a fantastic pension scheme and private medical insurance.

There are many company events and activities throughout the year. December is a very social time in the company, with many Christmassy events going on it is a really great period to work in. There is also an annual summer party and often many gatherings to celebrate successes in the company. There are also many different volunteering opportunities and M&G allow you some time off to take part in your own volunteering events outside of work. I have been along to several careers fairs held at schools representing M&G and discussing the apprenticeship scheme. There are also many sports clubs to join and often emails will go round about events that M&G has exclusive and discounted tickets to for example concerts, football games, cocktail making etc.

Yes

M&G are a very caring and supportive company with many opportunities to develop. There are so many different areas within investment management and each area is interesting so there is something for everyone. The work I do is challenging but enjoyable and I have a great social life at work which has made the transition from sixth form easy. They helped me to become more confident and responsible and have helped me get my foot in the door for a career in financial services.

Be yourself. M&G's recruitment process is hard but as long as you are prepared, do your research and know what your goals are you will do well. If you get to a face to face interview make sure you are friendly but professional and really give it your all. Don't be shy to talk about all your achievements and don't worry if you have very little experience in finance/economics.