Junior Technology Business Partner Review

My role involves working in the Global Marketing team at Unilever as a Junior Technology Business Partner. On a day-to-day basis, my role involves partnering with other marketing teams within Unilever, helping them use the right platforms and tools to communicate the company’s marketing strategy across the organisation, both internally and externally.

The two main skills I have gained so far are understanding the capabilities of Microsoft SharePoint (Microsoft's internal website building software) and understanding of how our team's finances operate. I started working on understanding my team's finances when I first joined the team, and it's now become part of my responsibilities. Ultimately, understanding Microsoft SharePoint allows me to help marketing teams create websites for our different marketing programmes, whilst my finance experience gives me a better understanding of how finances are handled within a large, multi-national company.

I am very much enjoying my programme so far. Doing a degree apprenticeship has meant that I am gaining practical workplace experience, alongside studying for my degree through the Open University. Having been out of the education system for several years, getting used to studying again has been an enjoyable challenge, and is also allowing me to expand my knowledge base in other areas outside of my day-to-day role.

My programme is very well structured. The course materials and modules are allowing me to build a solid knowledge base, whilst the regular coursework assignments and deadlines are ensuring that I take accountability for my learning and can learn at a healthy pace. The course itself is 4 years long, giving good opportunity for development and improvement.

I receive very good support from my line manager and employer. I'm given my 20% off-the-job time to study and complete my university assignments. My line manager is very supportive of me, my day-to-day work and my university learning, as well as my professional development - finding the right areas within the business to challenge and grow me within my role.

I receive very good support from my training provider, The Open University. I have a dedicated tutor for each module, who I'm able to email if I have any questions about an assignment. Tutors also hold regular tutorials to provide guidance and support on the university assignments. These tutorials are also recorded to allow me to catchup if I was unable to attend.

Through my university assignments, I am broadening my overall knowledge of the I.T industry. Certain modules are also directly linked to my day-to-day role, such as project management, which helps me contextualise my learning through practical application in the workplace. Overall, having this mix of academic knowledge and practical experience will give me a wider breadth of experience, making me more rounded as an I.T professional.

Yes, there are several extra curricular activities that I am involved at work. There are regular social events with other apprentices, such as going out for drinks and bowling/crazy golf. There are also Unilever football and netball teams, as well as a running club. There are also opportunities to attend external conference/networking events with your work team, or as part of a project.

Yes

Unilever is a company that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of its employees. It is a core pillar of the company's ethos, alongside working together as a team to deliver business results. Unilever is also a massive supporter of sustainability initiatives, and has made clear sustainability commitments to the public and investors alike.

Firstly, make sure to do your research, especially on Unilever's environmental commitments as they are a major contributor to business decisions. Secondly, be yourself. Unilever places emphasis on being authentic and genuine to yourself, as this is ultimately the only way you will be able to bring your best self to work.