MARETING APPRENTICE Review

I currently work within market research, and am involved in a number of projects. Typically I am the bridge between marketing and the research agency, helping to review research proposals to ensure the marketing question is able to be answered. I also help with co-ordination of different project teams, and ensure that minutes are typed up and actions clear. I also pull data rom various platforms such as panel data and business data.

Yes I have been able to do both. I've been able to learn skills, particularly research methods within my current role which have been developed on from what I learned within Psychology at A Level. I have also expanded my knowledge through University on Consumer Behaviour building upon my Psychology knowledge enabling me to then develop this in the workplace also in my day to day role.

I really enjoy my programme and think that it is the right level of academic learning versus professional work, although it can be tricky at times. I also really enjoy the people I have met along the way and being able to build a network across both Uni and the workplace.

It varies largely depending on the role you are assigned to in the workplace, and there have been a lot of structural changes during my time as an apprentice. Although the foundations are structured well there has been a bit of confusion about rotations, contract ending, how to offboard from the apprenticeship and more. In terms of the Uni side of things studying again it hasn't always been the most organised to be polite, and there have been many issues with knowing key info about assessments of modules etc.

My line manager is extremely supportive, and the HR team have been also when required. The Future Careers team (HR for apprentices) in [particular more recently have been a little difficult to communicate with and get answers from due to being under resourced but I believe that this is being rectified and that it will return to normal soon.

The Course Director is incredibly helpful and willing to answer students any time of the day, and even repeat herself multiple times to ensure everyone understands clearly exactly what it is they have to do. She is extremely knowledgeable. However the University is let down by a few lecturers who are unresponsive, careless and do not support students in the slightest even less so apprentices who they see once a week, however I know that when this issue was raised in a Couse Board meeting swift action was taken by the University and this reassured me that the University had students as their priority.

I think my qualification has helped me in my day to day role to understand marketing metrics in particular and to better my skills with numbers. I also feel like I am able to know exactly how to go about a marketing project from the beginning, collecting the relevant information to then put together a campaign or strategy.

Obviously Covid-19 put a spanner in the works but recently I have been able o get involved with Christmas activities, and also putting together a social committee which seeks to help people be more social from the office, including sports teams, workshops and celebratory days, and I am hoping these continue when we are back in the office

Yes

The company culture is great, I feel like I am valued and people are genuinely wanting to help you understand and progress. The pay is great, and there are many benefits including all UL products from the office shop at factory price. I also think that the variety of tasks and roles, and opportunity for progression internally is great and shows they recognise the importance of retaining talent.

Research the company, make sure their purpose vision and values align with yours, and be sure to be honest. Don't stress about not being the loudest or quickest to talk in the interview, my director said to me the other day "when interviewing I need to make sure I do not mistake confidence for competence", which shows they are looking to find someone who is good not just says they're good, and if you have the same drive and values then you may be given the chance.