Investment Graduate Review
at M&G plc
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
EC3M
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am in my second of three rotations in my graduate scheme, currently sitting on the ESG & Research team. My tasks are incredibly varied, and I work with a number of people across the team to fill in with any tasks I may be useful for. This may involve providing investment reviews, general admin work, helping with disclosures, and much more.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme a lot - I have been able to learn a lot of new skills and concepts within asset classes/areas I didn't know everything about, and I have enjoyed the training I have had (both on the job and off the job). I am still continuing to learn, and will make sure to carry on reaching out to team members for tasks which will teach me new things.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes - I think my analytical skills are much better. I can interpret and understand information better than I used to, and also find it easier to bring several pieces of information together to create one single picture. I also think my presentation skills, both visual and spoken, have improved as a result of the tasks I have done so far.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is well-organised; I know the rotations I will go through, I know who my managers will be, I know who to speak to whenever I have any issues and concerns, and I know when my exams will take place. I also get to know about other investment areas via contact with the other graduates.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I get a lot of support. As somebody who suffers from epilepsy, it is pleasing that my employer cares so much for my disability. It is yet to affect me at work, but I am encouraged that the support is there whenever I need it. My employer also offers mental health support to those who need it, so if I ever do struggle in that regard, I know where to go.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Again, a lot of support. The general training days are very useful, as they give a deep dive into the necessary fields (in case some people weren't as experienced in financial backgrounds as others), and the exam-specific training days are useful for covering hard topic areas and giving us the opportunity to ask any questions necessary
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I believe the Investment Management Certificate is largely quite useful - the terminology used in my day-to-day job became much less confusing after revising for. and taking, my exam. The concepts were also largely useful, but some exam topics weren't that applicable to me/my current team. This may, of course, change in the future.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
It is a little hard to do this in a virtual environment. Currently, the extra-curricular activities I take part in are all externally arranged (e.g. I play for my football team, which has no links to work). I think it would be good if a company-wide policy could be pushed of getting people to interact with each other more, such as teams being encouraged to go for meals or take part in socials.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend M&G plc to a friend?
Yes
Why?
M&G is a really fun place to work. Despite being virtual, the positive work environment is clear for all to see. All of my colleagues are helpful, humble and supportive, and manage to keep a happy culture at all times. M&G is also a diverse and inclusive workplace.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to M&G plc?
Just be yourself. Sometimes people feel as though they need to be something/someone they're not when joining a new role, but I have never felt that way at M&G. I think part of the reason everybody likes the company so much is their comfort with, and ability to speak to, all of their colleagues. This positive and inclusive work environment can only be had when people are able to be themselves, helping them to feel comfortable in their teams.
