Digital Operations Review

I have recently moved role into Digital Operations. This is a role within Business Architecture where essentially we look at how people are using their time. My role within this team is to analyse key dates that we have for upcoming deliveries and ensure these are met and ensure that the team knows to meet these otherwise it could push a delivery back. This is done by having daily meetings where I have set up a dashboard to explain and track this. I also track the teams travel, if their training courses are up to date and where they will be week by week.

I am currently studying for the Investment Operations Certificate which involves taking 3 exams. I have passed my first exam and I am currently in the process of studying for my second exam. With moving roles, I have also learnt a wide variety of skills including excel, powerpoint and more recently qlikview. To further my skill set, I take some online course which are set up by JPM, this has helped me develop my soft skills and learnt how to be more professional.

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme so far. I really enjoy my role as it gives me many opportunities to network and learn new things. My team have also given me a lot of opportunities where I have gone and worked in Bournemouth for a few days so that I can learn more things. What I most love about the programme is the amount of support you get. If I ever have a problem I know that there are at least 5 senior people I can go to about this and they will get it sorted immediately.

I feel extremely valued within JPM. I have never been made to feel like an apprentice and I feel like I am a valued member of my team. This is because my manager has given me a lot of responsibility and I have a lot of involvement in the upcoming projects that we have. This way I feel that I am valued because Im not just an apprentice doing 'apprentice tasks'.

The programme is structured very well. We have 4 days in the office and 1 day to study at home. This structure allows us to separate learning from work where we can focus solely on one or the other. We have online lectures each week where we are taught a chapter from the module. The lecturers offer support however at any time during the week should you have a question. The programme is on a tight timeline however deadlines are always met and I think it is best run in this way.

The training provider offer us a great deal of support. We are able to contact our lecturer whenever we have a question and will get a reply back within a day. I also have biweekly meetings with the training provider where I give feedback from the whole cohort, I can also raise any issues or concerns we have with them in this way. We also have regular face to face 1 on 1 meetings with the training provider, where we talk about coursework but also talk about general problems whether it be at work or home, and we get the support that we need.

Me and my manager have weekly catch ups to see how I am progressing. If I ever have a problem I go straight to her and she offers to help me straight away. If unable to help, she always gives me a contact of who will be able to help me and guides me in the right direction to get an answer immediately.

I think the salary is currently just about right. I commute into work everyday which is costing me about £3,000 a year. I am still living home but do pay rent and have other living costs to pay, however my salary covers all of this and I still have a bit of disposable income every month. In comparison to similar companies offering the same apprenticeship within London, I don't think that there is a salary that matches ours.

JPM offer a wide variety of opportunities outside of work. There are numerous sports teams you are able to join regardless of your ability. This gives you a chance to network with people outside your team and also have a bit of fun. On the programme we also take part in a Corporate Social Responsibility Event where we spend a day helping the local community.

Yes

I would recommend JPM to a friend because of the constant opportunities that you are give. Despite being an apprentice, you are exposed to very senior people daily who will make time to talk to you. I also think that the company really values each employee and gives credit where credit is due, making this a very enjoyable place to work.

The main tip that I would give during the application process is to be honest and be yourself. On the assessment days be confident but in the same sense don't come across too strong, present yourself as someone that the interviewer would like to work with. Perhaps take part in 1 of the summer schools or the work experience to get a greater understanding of JPMs culture which will help you during the application process.