Chartered Management Degree Apprentice Review

My current role is Assistant Brand Manager on Rowntree's, I manage different projects and product developments, as well as helping out across the entire brand. I am in a lot of meetings daily and then use Friday as a catch up/university day depending on what is needed. I also do a lot of research into the current market and how our products stand with competitors which is really interesting, as it provides opportunity for innovation ideas. The team I currently work in are brilliant and are really friendly which makes the role 10x better.

I have vastly improved my researching skills, and being able to identify what information is needed and then also being able to present this back to the wider team as well as my direct reports. I have also developed my presenting skills and how to identify the specific information and adapt the presentation to a specific audience as I am working with more external partners rather than internal.

I am really enjoying the programme so far. I have been fortunate that I have got along well with my team mates and managers. This has made it easier to reach out and socialize with others on the course, as well as other employees. I have also had the opportunity to develop working relationships, and there is a good moral throughout most employees.

With currently moving placements every 6 months, it can sometimes feel like everything moves very fast. Because of this, I feel like for some support, you need to take ownership and reach out when needed, rather than relying on others to do this for you. My line manager is really good at making themselves available when needed and I feel as though I am a genuine part of the team. With training, the further you get into your placement (also depending on the role) there is an element of personal responsibility that you need to take, in actively putting in meetings and striving to learn as much as you can, which I personally like most of the time.

I have 121 check ins with my manager and direct team every week in my current placement, whereas in past placements I have had bi-weekly check ins. This is dependent on work load and timings, but also personal preference as I work better with more social contact, rather than working individually most of the time. It has been harder over the past couple of years with support, with working from home, as it was harder to reach out. However, now that we are in the office, I am seeing a development of contact and support which is great.

Past degree apprentices have been brilliant in providing support on the university side of things. Any questions needed, they have been willing to help and make sure we understand the assignment at hand. There have been a few times where contact with the actual university has been hard, however, when flagged to Nestle they were great in supporting and making sure we had the support available, either from Hallam or elsewhere. The university weeks are great when we get to go and stay in Sheffield, it is a great week to get away from work and enjoy being a student for that week, and Nestle have always supported that side of things.

I have really appreciated the modules that we have done in relating them back into my role. Sometimes there is so much to learn in 6 months that comparing the daily tasks back to the module is a great way to absorb information learnt by transferring them into the work place. I also feel like this goes both ways and my job has really helped me to complete university assignments as well.

At the office, there is a gym that holds classes, as well as individual sessions. I know some teams go together if this is something that people enjoy. You are also encouraged within Nestle to take your two volunteering days within the year, whether this is something you do as a team or individually. York is a great base and many people live in York having moved for work. There is a great network of people who are happy to get involved in things outside of work.

Yes

There are many different opportunities within Nestle, you are not confined to just one area of the business which provides great areas for growth and development. The support and social network at Nestle is great as well, and I think that it can be a great chance to find out what you like to do and can be successful at. With it being a global company there are also many opportunities globally as well.

I would recommend to research the company before hand and understand Nestle aims and objectives but also what they do. Are they certain things that stand out to you? And why would you want to work here. Nestle look at who you are as a person as well, there is no need to pretend to be someone who you are not as that isn't what they are looking for. There are so many different career paths to choose from, so make sure to have an open mind when applying.