Fund and Party Data Analyst Apprentice Review

I am a Fund and Party Data Analyst, My Job role varies between the set up of Funds and the maintaining/ updating them. This may be setting up OEICs or Segregated funds or allowing dealers to trade on these funds such as Spot or Depos. On top of this it involves working with Risk who will send us through the trading limits to set on these funds to make sure that the Fund managers do not invest more than they're allowed to.

I use to be very good at Excel knowing how to do Macros and prediction analysis however this job has allowed me to advance these skills even further. On top of this our department requires us to know how to use multiple systems which are now transferable such as knowing how to use Bloomberg terminals and Aladdin.

This program is very enjoyable as not only does it allow me to work within a sector which I have been passionate about for a long period of time but also supports within your social life too. This is due to there being organised multiple social events and a lot of the time after work the Apprentices meet up and will do things such as night outs or going out for meals.

From the beginning it is clearly set out what are the plans how the apprenticeship works and what is expected. This may be either showing what exams will be taken, what you need to be prepared and how much revision time is given (as to not intrude on your social / out of work hours).

The Managers here are very supportive in your apprenticeship which can be shown in many ways. For starters on your emails it says apprentice under your name which means that where people feel it may be of use they teach you to help expand on your knowledge. On top of this my manager will not just show me what I need to do but will also explain what use it does to the company and the importance of the task.

From the training providers they have multiple materials which they supply whether it be mock exams or just revision guides. on top of this before we take an exam they bring in a trainer to go over anything that we may need help with and will give us help and guidance in any weak areas we may have.

I believe that the qualifications help majorly in the position I work in as it allows me to understand what I am doing. For example when setting up a fund when I started I did not completely know what was the difference in management methods used in Bond Funds to Equity Funds.

As for extra-curricular activities M&G are part of Investment 2020 which host a number of social activities and professional networking events with other companies such as Invesco &JPM. In addition to this the apprentices of M&G regularly meet up after work and do multiple activities such as table tennis, football and also are going on a Ski Trip.

Yes

It is a company which provides great opportunities to get your foot in the door of the investment industry but not only that allows you to do so with a highly reputable company. I have been recommending this to my friends and actually joined in on a recommendation and I can proclaim that it has met the expectations set.

I would recommend that in the interviews be professional and make sure that you elaborate on your answers, for example don't just say that doing D of E gave you leadership skills, explain how and back up with evidence. On top of this make it clear on your passion on the industry and make it clear on why you want to work for M&G,