Chartered manager apprentice Review

I am currently involved in the Data and Analytics function in Unilever. Within this, I assist with data governance and financial reporting for my team. I manipulate and analyse our functions actuals data and report it back to managers in the team. I have rotated across the company, however this is my current role.

I have been able to apply business theories to my work life through the work at the open university. We build portfolio evidence where we display how we have applied certain theories or models to our work life. This has enabled my degree to stay relevant and consistent with my work.

I enjoy the company that I work for. There is a large emphasis on mental and physical health and it seems that the company really care about employee wellbeing. The apprentices are paid fairly and given many opportunities in work. There is also opportunity to travel and visit other offices.

At the beginning there was little conversation and engagement with the open university and expectations were not managed. However, after getting a new tutor, my manager was able to adapt my work roles to better align with the work that I was doing at university. Therefore, the programme has become a lot more structured.

I get 20% paid time of my work week to complete my university work, which helps me with my time management. Further, my manager has been able to adapt my job roles and rotate me based on my current studies at university. This was great support and enabled me to gain relevant experience.

Initially, I received little assistance when completing my studies and in my first year had lots of confusion over the tasks I was required to complete. It has gradually improved as I have changed tutors. However, I have found that some tutors are not willing to help outside of tutorials.

I have been able to apply my qualification to my roles throughout my apprenticeship. Through criteria, I was able to identify relevant experience that I needed to help complete my university degree. This degree has assisted me in many roles, such as reporting finance, comms management and project management and enabled me to build evidence for this.

We have work events and extra-curricular activities often. Last week I had organised a team event in the office. Many events in the office take place, such as Yoga or coffee clubs. Further, we have many team based activities like walks and drinks after work. We also have big events around Christmas where the office employees get together.

Yes

Unilever is a company that cares about their employees and really makes an effort to improve their welfare inside and outside of work hours. They also have very fair policies on pay, maternity leave and grievances or holidays. In comparison to other FMCG companies, it is diverse and there is great opportunity to have a long career with them.

When applying, make sure that answers and reasonings are related to Unilever. Investigate their current missions and goals and really identify why you would be a good fit in the company. This is important is written answers and interviews. Do as much research beforehand in preparation and make sure you be yourself!