Management Degree Apprentice Review

Day to day I work as part of the management team within a multi-million pound restaurant. I help to develop employees and look for ways to improve the performance of the restaurant. I get dedicated time to study, which helps me to develop my academic skills as well as practical.

I’ve developed my confidence, time management and communication skills. I’ve learnt how to develop my communication skills from basic emails and face-to-face contact, into more professional skills such as dealing with sensitive investigation meetings and have learnt how to use technology to develop an online professional profile account.

I couldn’t have picked a better job! I get to do some great extra curricular activities such as attend conferences and get involved with their promotions of the course. I get paid a brilliant salary and I won’t be left with any student debt- making saving for my future much easier!

I feel like the programme is structured very well. There is a great partnership between education providers, my mentor in my restaurant, McDonald’s Head Office and myself. I get all the support I need, and they’ve provided me with lots of contacts if I need to find out additional information.

I am extremely lucky to receive the support that I do from my line manager. We have regular “how’s it going?” catch up chats to ensure I’m not getting stressed out or worried about my workload. My Business Manager schedules me in time to study around the business, and for that I am highly thankful.

Manchester Metropolitan University provide us with support from an online platform, called the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and also with ELTs (Employee Liason Tutors) they are always available on email or telephone for a quick catch up or if we need advice on a topic. The help is always there if required.

I think that it makes me think about the bigger picture now. In the past I only thought about the things which I’ve learnt through the job, but now I’m applying theory from University studies to help me to provide a more effective working environment, which helps the team to progress.

At work we participate in social “crew events” from parties to ice skating and going to theme parks. McDonald’s run something called the “McDonald’s Cup” which is a massive football competition for restaurants to compete in. As a result of my apprenticeship, I am getting involved in professional networking events such as Careers Fairs.

Yes

Because McDonald’s have given me some incredible opportunities and are helping me to develop as an employee to become the best that I can be. I wouldn’t change my job role for anything else and I can’t wait to make McDonald’s my life- long career choice.

Ignore any negative stereotypes of the company which you may hear (e.g, “dead-end job”)... They invest so much time and money into training people and have an amazing career path which you can progress up quickly if you are dedicated and hardworking! I’d recommend just going for it and I passionately believe that it is the complete opposite of a “dead-end job!”