Associate Review

I work alongside executives, other associates and managers on a range of different projects including Suitability, Anti-Money Laundering and Cybersecurity. I have the same targets as other members of staff and have opportunities to progress and choose where my career takes me. 1 day a week I attend Northumbria University where I work towards achieving my BA (Hons) Business Leadership and Management. I am also working towards a CMI Qualification. My responsibilities are to maintain a good quality of work in the office whilst also keeping up with my studies outside of the workplace. I also have a responsibility to get involved in extra activities inside the office in order to meet the requirements of my CMI Qualification. I am supported by my project team, the project team lead and my work place counsellor throughout my apprenticeship experience and beyond.

Through enrolling on this apprenticeship, I am studying for a BA (Hons) in Business Leadership and Management. This is giving me a further understanding of the environment and industry that I am working in. Furthermore, the CMI Qualification is helping me to become a Chartered Manager, learning the skills and competencies required along the way. I also enrol on internal training courses such as Confidence with Clients training which not only builds my professional competence but also helps me with my studies. Through my role, I have learned how to better manage my work-life balance. I am also beginning to learn the key skill required for a successful career in professional services. The Business Leadership and management degree will also support me in wherever I wish to take my career in the future.

I am really enjoying the variety of work that is available here at EY. Whilst I have only been here 6-7 months, I have already been involved in a Suitability Project and an Anti-Money Laundering Project. Furthermore, the Team and the COmpany culture is also really positive here at EY. The teams are aware and accomodating of my development needs and are willing to offer help and support wherever they can. This made the move into this role and the continuation of this role much easier and enjoyable. The course exceeds my expectations and I really enjoy being part of this programme - I feel real lucky to be involved in such an experience.

There is clear communication between the University and the Workplace which enhances the organisation and the structure of the programme. Whilst a manager in the workplace has frequent communication with the University's Programme Lead; we also engage in tripartite meetings 3 times a year - myself, my university coach, and my workplace mentor. This is a fantastic opportunity to map my progression on the programme so far and also identify any potential issues that may have arisen. The induction programme onto this course was excellent. We had a 2-week induction which included a 3 day trip to London. This was a really good opportunity to get to know the other apprentices in a less formal environment. The opportunity to have study days is fundamental to my success on this programme - having the opportunity to take days out in order to do assignment work means that I am able to fulfil my commitments to the best of my ability. I feel fully supported by my workplace coach, she is able to find new experiences where necessary that may contribute to me evidencing the CMI Portfolio standards.

Project Managers are aware and understand that I spend 1 day a week at university and also have study days to take. I have never had an issue with this which makes the process a lot easier and a lot less confrontational. My workplace coach helps guide me towards the collection of evidence for my CMI Qualifications where I am struggling to generate ideas on my own. My University coach has also been quick to raise any concerns of the group many any minor issues have been quickly dealt with. I am aware that there are other people I can reach out to for support if I require it - library staff, personal mentor etc. I feel that the workplace and university understand my workload and are genuinely willing to support me wherever I need it.

Sometimes feel that they forget we are degree apprentices and have a heavy workload outside of the university. However, once reminded they are willing to give extensions where necessary and offer any further support where I need it. I really enjoy this programme and feel that overall I receive the support that I require.

Learning about the global business environment and the functions of businesses has definitely given me a better understanding of the ways in which my organisation works. I have also had opportunities to research my own organisation, deepening my understanding and helping me in my day-to-day work. With the CMI Qualification, I can use my assignments as evidence of theory-based knowledge, but I am then able to put the theory into practice in the workplace and record this. I feel that I am beginning to learn a lot more about my job/role/industry through being enrolled on this training programme and will no doubt have an excellent understanding by the time I have completed my qualifications.

Apprentices, and other staff members, are encouraged to get involved in recruitment and networking events. Not only will this help us to collect evidence for our CMI Portfolios, but it is also an opportunity to get to know other people from other areas of the business. I love attending recruitment events as it is an opportunity to share my experience and I myself attended such events and this is how I found out about EY about a year ago. We also have social events in the workplace. For instance, we had a Christmas Party held at the Centre for life and are having a spring and summer social event this year. We also have sporting activities such as the EY Football Club and Yoga Classes for people to participate in if they wish.

Yes

It's a great opportunity to gain professional qualifications whilst gaining valuable experience at the same time. I am going to end this programme with a Degree, a Chartered Management Qualification and 3 and a half years experience that will no doubt make my CV shine in comparison to peers - however, I do see myself staying at EY following the end of my Apprenticeship due to the number of opportunities to grow and progress.

Really understand the company values, do your research and practice competency-based questions. Don't be afraid to get involved and showcase your skills wherever possible when involved in assessment days - they want to see how good you are and if you are a good fit for the company. DO YOUR BEST.