Investment Bank Change Apprentice Review
at UBS
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
London
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
As an apprentice, you will begin by picking up some processes that you will run at set frequencies. The role gives me a lot of exposure to all areas of the investment bank and has been a big learning curve. As time progresses, more responsibilities will be given and you can begin to present / lead calls with a number of stakeholders and present your own ideas to solving problems.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy it a lot, you get to start your career with like minded people straight from sixth form. If you enjoy jumping in the deep end then the program will be for you, and you get exposed to a variety of new people and concepts that are challenging but rewarding once worked on.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes
New skills that I have developed are around being proactive and networking. This is very important in the working world and are skills you will not necessarily use when at school / college.
Existing skills I have developed are communication skills, being able to converse with people at different ranks of the organization and adjust your style to the recipient.
New skills that I have developed are around being proactive and networking. This is very important in the working world and are skills you will not necessarily use when at school / college.
Existing skills I have developed are communication skills, being able to converse with people at different ranks of the organization and adjust your style to the recipient.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
At this point in time, the program is well structured. It was very new when I joined and the pathways to completing next steps were not always obvious and it could be overwhelming. However, now, the way the employer and training provider use the program is efficient and the expectations / outcomes are clear.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
A good amount of support. The employer are always responsive and open to any queries / worries I may have with the apprenticeship side, and managers are also wary that you are very young and new to the industry, so will look after you and provide you with the resources you need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
A good amount of support. I know where to go if I have any issues or questions, although the majority of the course is structured in a clear way that means you do not need to ask many questions. Only improvement here would be responsiveness of some of the lecturers offline, emails can take a while to get a response to a small question.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Certainly a lot. On multiple occasions I learn something at university and then am able to apply this knowledge at work, and vica-versa. This combination can make CFA modules easier as I have already encountered them at work, whilst refreshing them at university may also close any gaps I had at work. So very useful in that sense.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There is always something going on at UBS. Usually a speaker / networking event, not much in the way of sports activities which is a shame. I have heard that before COVID there were more sporting events so maybe they will get up and running shortly. Social activities are also good, Christmas parties for both team and apprentices etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend UBS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Mainly the culture. Everybody gives you an opportunity and this is hard to find in what is a fast-paced environment. Career growth is at the forefront of the firm so a very good place to begin your career and the apprenticeship program was one of the first to exist, so likely one of the most advanced in the street.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to UBS?
Complete the relevant research on the firm and the firm's values, think about how you can relate to them and if UBS is the right fit for you. Also, remember that other apprenticeship programs exist across all other areas of finance, so don't use your 1 UBS application without getting practice elsewhere first, as you may be a good candidate but lack the interview experience.
