Chartered Business Management Apprentice Review

I have been on a range of roles/clients since I joined, but currently I work for a government client as a service designer. This involves focusing in on the end to end user experience of the product our team are creating. Day to day, I have a morning check in meeting where the whole team shares what they did yesterday and what they are doing today. I then have other meetings throughout the day with other designers, where I work on activities such as creating a service blueprint

I have learnt what UX even is, let alone how to undertake UX activities and hold a service design role! I have also learnt a lot about all the roles available as part of ''consultancy", and what their key responsibilities are. I have also learnt about how the market is segmented into industries, and how clients in different sectors will have drastically different priorities. Overall, I have also built about my self confidence massively. Small things like speaking infront of clients, no longer make me (that) nervous!

I thoroughly enjoy the degree apprenticeship. It has been challenging starting virtually, as I would much prefer to attend my seminars etc in person, but this aside I think its a great balance of education and work. Having uni on a Friday is something to look forward to, and its great mixing with apprentices from other companies so we can share experiences. IBM are so supportive in making sure we are constantly learning, and exploring new fields in subjects that are of interest to us.

The Degree Apprenticeship is very well structured. Having Fridays allocated to uni makes the week easy to plan, and means client work has minimal disturbance. It can be challenging regarding time management skills sometimes, as there is a lot of additional work that needs to be done in your own time. Whether its watching lectures, revising, or doing coursework, this is something we are required to fit in at weekends/evenings. This can be tricky near deadlines, but overall works out ok in the end!

I receive lots of support from my employer. By being assigned an EPM (Early Professional Manager), I have someone outside my client role that I can go to for any help and guidance concerning my apprenticeship. This manager really is a point of contact to talk about anything- and really helps you to form some goals to work towards throughout your apprenticeship. Its like having a work 'parent', that can mentor you and be a friendly familiar face!

Pearson College have a range of mentors that you can go to, aswell as forums that you can speak to existing students etc to get advice. This is a great support network to have, however it is up to you as an individual to utilise it. Studying for a degree is a very independent process, and one that you get out what you put in ! Because of this, I think some students may feel a slight lack of support sometimes- just cause it can feel harder to reach out rather than have a closer eye kept on us

Studying towards a degree perfectly complements my day to day client work. Learning theory is super helpful to bring into my role, and also makes me feel like the work decisions I make or the opinions I give- are educated ones. The 'day job' also is supplemented nicely by the education, as you see things you learnt in the classroom come to life- something that is great to be a part of, and definitely a highlight for me!

Loads! I have made so many friends through our business resource groups at work. We have several, such as a BAME group, an LGBT+ community, and a technical group. This allows people to meet likeminded individuals, to collaborate on volunteering/interal work and projects. There are also social events for early professionals, which is great to mix up apprentices grads and interns, for some informal friendly networking. There is definitely lots to get involved in !

Yes

I love the culture- every team I have worked with has been so diverese with a great balance of senior and junior individuals. It is great to have the chance to work for so many different clients in different industries- alongside the flexibility to try out multiple job roles until you find your niche! I think IBM really value their apprentices, so you also never have a feeling of being at the bottom of the food chain- which is a big thumbs up from me!

Have a look into what industry's interest you (other than the Tech space, of course!). Its great to have a knowledge of who are clients are and what we do for them- something if you an express an interest in, there is always potential to get involved with them later down the line! Aside from this, just really be yourself. Let your personality shine through as they look for enthusiasm over someone who knows everything already!