Investor Relations Apprenticen Review

I work within an Investor Relations team in M&G Real Estate. We maintain relationships with our institutional investors and aim to develop business by pitching to prospect investors. My role includes regular communication with investors and consultants, on our UK Property Fund, by providing them with requested data and information. I also put together pitch books for client meetings and sometimes attend these meetings. Each quarter I update various pitch books, fund profiles and investor reporting materials which is sent to investors.

I have developed many skills, knowledge and behaviors during my time on the M&G apprenticeship scheme. The main skill being communication which has helped me significantly in my job role, and also IT skills which help me with my job on a day to day basis. The scheme has also helped me with networking and professionalism skills which i believe will help me going forward in my career. I have been able to use these skills and have built up a network of people within the business who i can contact and ask help from.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the programme. My colleagues, manager and apprenticeship scheme manager have all shared their time, despite hectic and busy schedules, in order to help me learn and develop skills meaning I can perform in my role to a high standard. Despite only being on the programme for a short period of time, I have been offered opportunities and experiences that I don't believe I would have obtained anywhere else. I have been trusted and respected like a regular employee and have never felt isolated as a junior member of staff, this is something i have really appreciated. M&G are extremely accommodating of apprentices and I have been sent on learning courses in order to have more knowledge of the investments/real estate industry. With regards to the training provider and qualification, there has been a good balance between work and study. This has really helped me in busy times. I have also covered a large variety of subjects which have helped me in my role and will continue to do so.

The programme is very well organised and it fits in with our training providers time schedule. The apprenticeship scheme manager makes sure to organise regular catch ups and team sessions in which we can share our experiences and update each other on what we're doing. There is also good communication between M&G and the training providers.

I have received tremendous support from my M&G throughout the programme. My manager and team members have regularly taken the time to teach me different things and help me develop my skills. I have also been sent on training courses and referred to complete online courses over the next few months in order to become an advanced excel user in my team. I have regular weekly catch ups with my manager to go through work load and also to have an informal chats which has made me feel like a regular member of the team, as oppose to a junior member of staff.

Our BPP coach is very helpful and through in her reviews which means that i always know where to improve and make my course work submissions better. I have a call with her every few months in which we go through previous submissions and what is coming up. These are beneficial and i get the opportunity to ask any questions relevant to my training.

I have covered a wide variety of subjects whilst completing the qualification which help me in different aspects of my role. I have been able to focus on improving IT and communication/professionalism skills which i am grateful for, as I am able perform in my role to a high standard.

I have taken part in various professional networking events and have even been given the opportunity to present at events to external guests. There have been various initiatives that I have been involved in, including the 'She Can Be' initiative which encourages young women into investment related job roles. There is also a charity event being held in the coming months in which myself and the other apprentices will volunteer at a food bank.

Yes

M&G is an extremely inclusive company and they have enthusiasm to welcome younger employees into the company. They have provided me with great experiences and opportunities that will help me progress my career in the future. Additionally, my team and manager have been a big part of my experience so far and i have noticed that generally everyone at M&G is welcoming and helpful, regardless of their job title and seniority.

M&G values enthusiasm and charisma so I would make sure to demonstrate a strong interest in whatever role you are applying for. Make sure to show professionalism and maturity as M&G is a highly regarded company and therefore this goes a long way. What made me stand out in my interview was the research I had done to demonstrate that I understood the role and definitely wanted it. My manager appreciated the time and effort I had put into my interview.