Marketing Apprentice Review

My role involves supporting members of the team and owning my own projects. This involves leading on media and budget responsibilities. Day to day involves meetings, emails and execution through briefs using Word and Powerpoint. It is a mixture of working from home (2 days), working in the office (2 days), and attending University (1 day).

Yes I have learnt a huge amount on this apprenticeship, 3 that stick out are: - Time management - Learning how to prioritise task and manage people's expectations. - Budget and finance skills - I have learnt how to produce best in class management of budgeting via Excel. - Knowledge of a business works, specifically large FMCGs.

I enjoy the programme as the team I work with are amazing and I work on fun and interesting campaigns, I like university but sometimes the lectures and seminars are poor due to content and/or lecturers. Overall, I enjoy the apprenticeship and find much more accomplishment than in my previous Level 3 apprenticeship.

My working role is very structured and well managed by my LM, however I find the learning side of it sometimes very unstructured due to last minute changes and lack of understanding between apprentice and training provider. Overall, however there is someone to always communicate with but I wish that it was structured to begin with.

Alot of support, I have been across multiple managers but every single one has attended my progress reviews and supported me when I needed it and also sometimes when I don't think I need it. They have become role models for me so I can try and follow their behaviours and learn from them.

I receive more support when I ask for it from my provider and have check up calls every 3 months, however overall it is sometimes a struggle to get support in the first place. For example, this can be in lectures and seminars where I am shown what the answer is and not necessarily how to get there.

I feel that the experience I gain through work is much vital to my skills and knowledge, however there have been a few relevant modules which have helped me to perform better, for example Media Planning. Although, overall I believe the degree will help me develop in my career and progress further.

Yes I engage in social activities after work where I have met a lot of friends within the business, and I also attend the office football 5 a side after work too. Through this, I have been involved in organising charity football matches and met people I would not have normally been able to meet.

Yes

I would recommend Unilever to a friend due to the supportive environment and people led culture that exists within the company. Everyone you meet will want to help if asked and that is refreshing to see in such a busy and sometimes hectic workplace. There are also lots of opportunities to upskill.

I would recommend to be yourself and be as open and inquisitive as you can possibly be. It is okay to not know something, but somebody can always bring the energy to want to learn and be involved in as much as possible. Also, make sure you are always available to help others.