Equities Dealing Opearations & Research Apprentice Review

My Job role is Equities Dealing Operations & Research Apprentice. My job is therefore split into Dealing and research. On the dealing aspect of things my day-to-day task include running reports, screening through data, amending trades as well as carrying out any other request at the time. Due to the nature of the Job I am constantly networking with fund managers, dealers, risk, compliance etc... Working on the dealing desk has helped me improved into my role as I also get exposed to professionals that have been in their roles for decades. Having them share their experience and knowledge with me has helped me understand the job a lot better. I also have many responsibilities; some are time bound while others aren’t. On the other side we have the research aspect. This involves tracking fund managers interactions with the sell side, managing Investment team budgets and managing broker contracts etc.. When working on research I will work closely with the broker relationship team/Fund managers etc.. Mostly, when I do communicate with brokers it will be via Email or over the phone.

I have learnt several new skills since joining M&G. The Skills that I have learnt can all be applied to way I do my job. One of the most important skills I believe that I have learnt is Excel skills. I have become much more confident with formulas, tables, and graphs. Around 75%-80% of my time at work is spent on programs such as excel, word, access etc... Therefore, bettering those skills will only make the Job easier. Another skill that I have learned is how to prioritise and manage my time. Prioritising is a very important especially when you may have a lot of tasks and projects going on at one time. By prioritising I allow myself enough time on each piece of work completing them in order of importance and deadline. M&G has helped me developed this skill with the help of my colleague who would help me prioritise my daily work load every morning.

The programme has been very enjoyable not only do I meet people who are in the same predicament as me, we also get to learn and grow together. W are constantly helping each other. Also, we the programme offers events that we can go to with other apprentices/graduates working for other companies.

M&G doesn't just make me feel like an apprentice it make me feel valued. in meetings I am able to contribute ideas some that have even actually be made into plans and will be done moving forward. I have heard that some apprentice feel like the title restricts them well that is completely wrong at M&G.

The programme is really well structured. I have a catch-up meeting with my manager every Wednesday morning. In this meeting we may discuss objectives, my development and any big projects coming up. In addition, I have time booked in my diary where I go off and do some studying in a meeting room.

Our training provider has been very helpful throughout the programme. They have been reachable via email throughout the apprenticeship and have also offered their support with catch up revision days.

The amount of support that I receive form M&G is unbelievable. Firstly, HR always have events on to help improve our current skills whether it’s presenting in schools, talking to people on work experience. In addition, M&G work very close with Investment2020. Investment2020 have events and workshops for apprentices and grads in the city from various companies. Secondly, I also receive support from my colleagues. Some of my colleagues are studying CFA, IMC etc.. Having them share their knowledge with me to help me understand the role and come to groups with terminologies, processes, regulators etc… makes learning easy and fun.

Currently I live with my Mum so with no rent to pay the salary covers all my expenses and still allows me to go out with friends and treat myself to luxuries occasionally.

M&G host a lot of outside work activities. M&G have a really good relationship with colleges and secondary schools. They have numerous events and occasions where they will ask a few apprentices to speak out to the students. In addition, M&G allows us to sort out an event fair with our previous colleges/schools.

Yes

Not only is M&G a brilliant company to work for they really do value their staff members. M&G has a family atmosphere, I don't feel worried letting anyone know that I do not understand something or asking if they could explain it again to me. Everyone is around to help and even senior professionals who have been in their job for decades are willing to help and will even ask me for help with something if I understand it better.

The thing that advise everybody coming out of school is to be enthusiastic and know what you are applying for. Background check the company; it's shocking how many time I have heard from managers that people have come into interviews and don't know what the company do or what the job entails. Research them enough so you have a good idea regarding the company.