Apprentice Review

My role includes a set of policy analyses. The policy analyses are to assess the impact of different policy proposals on different aspects the Bank cares about.

Although the programme included some new things to me, I think I could have learnt them through You Tube videos rather than spending months on assignments and other course work that in the end assessed based on presentation skills rather than the amount of knowledge gained, making the outcome even worse. This could be because of the provide (University of Exeter) poor programme

I thought I would enjoy going back to studying. However, I regret that right now. This is because the course requires me to a lot of non-useful stuff that adds nothing to my knowledge, and when I learn something new, the assessment and marking provide the worst seasoning to the worst dish. Again, knowing other providers, I think it is because of the poor course at Exeter. I wouldn't recommend the programme to anyone

The only thing that is structured is the names and timing of modules. Other things are less orgainsed. The University of Exeter has to do much more, especially in terms of how the assessment is linked to what is being learnt in the modules, which currently shambles to say the least.

My employer provided an ok support, but I would have wanted them to provide more details on the provider, taking on-board comments from previous cohorts, and provide more options that the only take it or leave it option (University of Exeter). This would have considerably affected my decision to get into this commitment

Most of what they provide is superficial, regular emails on career support which I do not need or events that are not of my interest. I only put 1 just because the academic mentor is the only bright thing in the whole thing. Attitude of some lecturers is not optimal too

No, not at all. It is rather a waste of time, I think I could have learnt more spending the same time on the internet. I don't feel this course would help me become better in my role, and I should have considered other options rather than this course

No, maybe because of the current COVID 19 circumstances, but I do not feel there is enough professional networking events, when I compare this to what other universities provide. I though senior leader MBA would provide much more opportunities to meet (even virtually) with 'VIP' people, but I thing that was rather a false hope

Yes

It is a good environment to work at where people are generally collaborative and less biased and competitive than other places. The main hick-up though is progression opportunities which are limited especially for people with more technical backgrounds. So, a lot of people are using the Bank as a vehicle to get experience before moving on

As mentioned above, they should be mindful of the progression opportunities and ask about them before accepting any offer, especially if they are PhD holders or very technical. This is because low progression can be a source of a lot of disappointment in the future while working at the Bank. "I do not consent for any of these to be in the public domain or to be shared with anyone"