Administrator Review

I am an administrator in the employee benefits team. I handle a lot of the raw admin tasks e.g. post, scanning etc. However I have progressed onto more complex and independent work directly with clients as I have become more confident with the work. Now I handle a lot of customer queries and information requests as well as longer term projects such as updating systems.

I have developed my skills with all of the Microsoft office programs and my general organisational skills have developed a huge amount. I have picked up new skills in relation to business interactions e.g. business e-mails, phone calls and letters. As well a much better understanding of employee benefits and tax as a whole.

It was initially a culture shock changing from a relaxed college environment with people my own age to a workplace where almost everyone else is older. But now I have adjusted to it and am able to connect with people I previously would not have shared interest with.

I feel I get good recognition for my work, particularly in areas I wasn't strong in when I started. Despite being an apprentice I don't feel like I am negatively treated any different than my colleagues, I don't feel like I am given unfair amounts of work or excessive amounts of purely admin work e.g. photocopying.

Training I have had from Grant Thornton has always been very good and they are understanding when I need to take time out to complete coursework. However when I have training days at college I feel that the work I do doesn't really relate to my work as it is too broad.

The support from my training provider (city gateway) has been adequate, but I have a general feeling of a lack of confidence in their organisation. However this may have been due to a tutor I had at first being disorganised as my current one is very good.

I cannot think of more ways my manager and team could help to support me. When I first joined they helped me to get to know people in the office, my mentor is always willing to answer questions I have and my manager has helped me to look at my potential opportunities after my apprenticeship. I am also always invited to business events and meetings to help me get to know the world of work.

I have to travel particularly far to work and as such it is quite expensive but despite this I still feel I have a good amount of spending money. I feel that for a first (proper) job I get paid pretty well.

There are opportunities to go to talks and seminars almost every week as well as fun company events such an intra-company football tournament which Grant Thornton pays for the accommodation.

Yes

There is a very friendly and understanding atmosphere around the office and I am yet to see any display of people not getting along in the 8 months I have been here. Plus their support network means that even if you don't stay with them, they would be a great stepping stone to something else.

Avoid being a robot in the interview. Since starting I have seen how important it is that you are compatible with your work colleagues if you want to enjoy working. Showing that you are a friendly person who is willing to learn will be much more valuable than cheesy pre-made answers.