Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Review

As a Media Planner, I work to support commissioning, production, and the delivery teams, coordinating the financial delivery of programmes. This involves creating and maintaining programme titles in the business system, ensuring all details are correct and up to date (e.g. delivery, budget, supplier, quota management, funding etc.) across multiple genres and financial years. What's more I also support the Senior Planning Manager in remixing the programme slate, which requires a high level of data analysis and manipulation.

During my placements and throughout the CMDA scheme, I have been actively encouraged and supported to take up internal training opportunities and attend industry events, these have allowed me to continuously develop my professional skills and behaviours. Additionally, the apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to develop softer skills too, this has benefited me in allowing me to build to professional rapport with individuals in various roles and positions within the my current department and the wider BBC

The rotational placements I complete as part of the degree apprenticeship scheme provide a constant stream of varied work. What's more the the culture of the BBC of and the teams within are very inclusive and supportive, making the workplace a very friendly environment which is enjoyable to complete different tasks and work. The nature of the degree scheme is very academically demanding too, and so must not be underestimated. However, overall the scheme is a fantastic opportunity.

The programme is well structured. However, a moderate amount of 'managing up' is required regarding the CMDA programme. Placement management is very supportive and I have received in depth inductions and training in each of the placements I have experienced as part of the scheme. I have also benefited from the BBC's coaching and mentoring programme which can be used for additional career or academic support. There are also allocated periods of both University study and self study for the required assessments.

Following on from my last point, the support from the BBC is generally appropriate. Placement managers I have worked with are well informed of the CMDA scheme and its requirements and therefore are well positioned to support apprentices with both the job role and academic studies. The BBC also has a breadth of employee support services and a number of different channels that can be used to access required support (e.g. mentoring, HR, Employee assistance programmes).

The training provider responsible for the academic side of the apprenticeship, can be seen to have an inconsistent approach to supporting CMDA learners. There are allocated skills coaches who provide coaching through quarterly check ins which are beneficial. However, often the lecturers are very vague with assignment briefs and even more so when answering learner questions or queries, therefore there is much ambiguity concerning what is actually required within specific modules or assignments which detracts from the apprenticeship experience.

There can be no doubt that a professional management degree and a management qualification accredited by the Chartered Management Institute will improve job role performance. The assignments completed as part of the degree apprenticeship programme are work focused and therefore provide applicable academic knowledge that can easily be transferred to the working environment. Within my time at the BBC I have been able to practice some of the academic principles and concepts within my role to implement improvements to my team or department.

There is a strong sense of community at the BBC, and this is reflected through a wide variety of extra curricular activities, events or clubs. Many apprentices and employees join these activities, and as a member of the BBC's Young Talent Network I have benefited from networking and social opportunities as well industry focus events. These things include exclusive screenings of new programmes, industry and developmental speakers to share knowledge both within and outside of the BBC.

Yes

At the BBC you will be involved (in one way or another) in making things that are enjoyed by millions. Almost everyone in the UK spends time with our content each week and it feels great to be part of something that reaches so many people. I have mentioned culture previously, but again I'd like to reinforce how inclusive and collaborative the BBC is and this makes for an enjoyable working experience and great social setting aside of work.

This may sound like such a cliche, but honestly be yourself - everyone has different qualities that are beneficial in different situations. Also, use each stage of the application process to show and evidence what you can bring to the BBC and the teams you will be placed within. Finally, I would also suggest to be up to date with the BBC's service portfolio and its position within the media landscape and the wider industry.