Research Grants Administrator Apprentice Review

by University of Oxford

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My daily tasks involve replying to queries from our Principal Investigators, collaborators, Business Managers; liaising with different teams within the department; updating a various of Excel spreadsheets; setting up/amending research projects on our system; preparing financial reports, etc.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

This apprenticeship has helped me to develop on my communication skills, both written and verbal and therefore built on my confidence. I have learnt how to use Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint in a professional way and had an amazing experience to work in an office environment and put my skills into practice.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The structure of the programme allows me to have enough time to do my daily tasks, as well as work on my college work. At the begging of my apprenticeship I had to complete a Business Professional Course with A&W College. I liked it, as it gave me a good background knowledge of business processes, main stakeholders and any external/internal factors that may impact on the performance of our department and the organisation as a whole.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I think the programme has been thought though and is well organised/structed.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My employer has been a massive help and support since I started the apprenticeship.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I receive enough support from my training provider at the moment, but there was a lack of support/communication when I just started my apprenticeship.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

As I mentioned earlier the Business Professional Course that I had to do ha helped me to develop a lot on my business knowledge, improved my confidence and therefore helped me to perform better in my role. Monthly meetings with my assessor has been a massive help too.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

The University of Oxford offers a range of different activities that I can get involved in at my work but due to workload (both at work and at college) I have a lack of time at the moment, but hopefully will be able to join some in the future.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend University of Oxford to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

University of Oxford is a great employer that can not only offer you amazing opportunities, future prospects, real business experience but also can offer you to have a chance to work with experts and learn from them. Plus, the environment is very inclusive and employees everyone is nice and welcoming.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to University of Oxford?

Some top tips are: - Get some experience before you are applying (any experience can be relevant) - Show them that you have some knowledge already (either gained during your GCSEs or A-levels or equivalent) but are willing to learn more and will do your absolutely best to do so - Be well prepared when it comes to an interview and show your communication skills and confidence (but don't be overconfident) - Be yourself!