Marketing Apprentice Review

Each day I start by checking my e-mails to get up to speed with how particular conversations may have developed or how the project has progressed. Once I've done this, I get to work on my own tasks, whether it be overseeing the project, having meetings/calls with the project team, having network calls, or completing other tasks that are important for the project.

I've developed my ability to gather and analyse data. I've also learned how to take this data and pick out insights which are useful for others to know. I then put this into a presentable format and send it out to my team. I've also developed my presentation skills, having presented to a range of different audiences.

I really enjoy the programme. The team I work in is great, everyone is really nice, and I never feel afraid to ask them questions or for help when I need it. The company culture is great, everyone is really friendly and it's not so daunting meeting or speaking to new people when you know they are likely to be easy to speak to.

The programme has been well structured. When I started, I had an induction to the company, but also to the University tutors that would be supporting us during our studies. My manager and team honour my study days, and I block out my diary for my study days so I'm not disturbed.

I receive a lot of support from my manager. I can see that they want me to get the most value out of my time in the programme, and where possible they tailor my work plan to the things I want to do more of, and the things I enjoy. However, they also push me to go further, by offering tasks that push me out of my comfort zone, or by doing things that are new or I haven't had exposure to. I also know that at any point, I can say if things are getting too much, or I have too much on my plate, that my manager will provide support where needed.

The support from the Open Uni is good. I can speak to my Personal Tutor at any point, to ask questions about the course, or on personal matters. The Practice Tutors are also good for support on the module material, and are there to answer any questions. In the past, I have sent essay plans to my Practice Tutor to look over and they were happy to do so. During COVID-19, the uni offered students the opportunity of 3-week deadline extensions for assignments if needed due to the ongoing stresses and worries of the pandemic, and this is something I was really grateful of.

There are lots of things that I learn in my qualification which I can apply to my role. Each year there is also a work-based module which actively encourages me to think about particular work examples, as well as thinking about ways I can apply particular concepts and theories in the work that I do.

At Unilever there are a full range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. These include social events which can take place at the office or at third-party locations. There is also a dedicated social committee at the London office, who organise lots of sports teams and other social events. There are also apprentice drinks which take place every month, for apprentices to go out and get to know each other. All of which are really useful for developing our network.

Yes

It's a great place to work. Unilever is a massive company, and everyone will know at least one of the great brands that they own. They care about the planet and people and this comes across in the projects we work on, therefore the work is fulfilling. The people are also really great, and I have enjoyed my time with the people in all the different teams I've worked in.

The application process can be a nervous time for anyone, however my main advice to anyone is just BE YOURSELF. Often the online application process is the chance to get to know what you can do, but once you enter the interview/assessment centre process, it's about getting to know more about you as a person and how you work in different situations. So, it's important to stay relaxed and just be you.