IT Consultant Review

Day to day tasks involve a lot of networking with different teams around the business. Analyzing reports, briefing campaigns and obtaining relevant internal approvals on display are an important part of the role. Vendor management and copywriting are just a couple of my daily tasks that I have had experience with. Along with the responsibility of purchase order briefing, sign off and reconciliation each month.

Since joining MBNA, I have gained a level 3 qualification in Digital Marketing, several dot native badges, Doubleclick certifications and Google Digital Garage sign off. I have attended a number of industry leading conferences lead by the IAB and gained a certificate of completion from the Real-Time Advertising Academy. I have been given the opportunity to further develop my professionalism, confidence and leadership skills.

The degree course is interesting, I'm part of a large digital marketing team who are friendly and the company culture is good. Joining such a large business has gone above and beyond my expectations. More often than not I have been given opportunities to exceed potentials and have learnt a lot about the working world.

Internal recognition is average. Last year recognition was great, appreciation was shown from a number of people throughout the department but this year that has dropped off. Previously I was honored to be a finalist in Big chips apprentice of the year but the process to be entered into that award was long and tedious which removed motivation to be re-entered.

The program isn't very well organised, some sessions are not as valuable as they could be. Working full time whilst studying can lead to a lack of time to study and sufficiently apply myself to each assignment. The current team hierarchy is unclear with responsibilities not being suitably aligned. I believe there could be a better structure that rewards hard work and allocates responsibility based on the individual rather than rewarding everybody in a generic fashion.

Support should be given not only during sessions but in terms of study time, it was very valuable having 3 days to study during the Easter half term this year. The training provider has communicated points of contact for times of need and in the first year we had a mentor who met with us and discussed our progress. The professional training days could be better considered to incorporate more valuable learning.

My close team understand the pressures of study and my mentor is always at hand to support me with problems. There have been no follow ups with HR and the general attitude hasn't shown much flexibility. A little more flexibility in terms of study time/working from home to finish assignment would help support the apprenticeship better.

Living costs have increased and I think the salary associated with this type of scheme needs to consider that it's not just school leavers taking the job. Mortgages and car payments account for most of the monthly income leaving many people living pay check to pay check. Introducing a more structured working plan would also help in financially planning further living costs.

There have been a number of industry leading conferences I have attended and enjoyed. The ability to volunteer with the local community has been excellent and this has proved valuable in terms of team building. I have been invited to LBG company events but have unfortunately been unable to attend due to timing constraints.

Yes

Great career starting point, ability to learn whilst earning.

Make your first impressions count. Don't be afraid to network with the wider business. Sell yourself and talk about your passions. Get to know the other interviewees as you could find value in each other’s past and future experiences. Research is everything, knowing about the company you’re wanting to work for can really shine through in your interview.