Wealth Management Degree Apprentice Review
at UBS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
London
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
My role involves speaking to clients as assisting them with any quieries they may have about their account with us. I place trades, FXs and enter payments for clients while I also conduct all of the administrative side of having a WM account at UBS. I work in a close team with another client account manager and two client advisors supporting their books of clients. We are in frequent contact with clients over email and the phone delivering the best service every day.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the programme mostly because of my team who are so supportive and we get along so well. I also think the experience we get at a young age is very unique as UBS puts a lot of trust into their apprentices. It is also great we get to network with other apprentices in different business areas to expand your connections within the bank.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my confidence working at UBS as I have been pushed out of my comfort zone speaking to different individuals, internal and external and of different seniorities. Additionally, I have improved my communication skills by practicing simple skills such as writing clear and concise emails or hosting training sessions for new apprentices. Time management is also very important in the role as you have to juggle a full time job along side compelting a degree, external exams and university exams/essays.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is overall structured well as we have a day off to study each week which entails joining lectures and doing self study. Exeter could sometimes be better with responses and planning but on the whole they are good. We have uni exams/essays every 2 months along side apprenticeship portfolio work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
UBS supports apprentices very well. My manager joins my quartlerly check ins with exeter which are required for the apprentices to figure out what is working / not working from each side and how they can both support me. My manager also organises weekly check ins to ensure I am coping with the workload well and if there is anything she needs to be aware of.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Our training provider teaches us the content for our qualifications but I feel I have to teach myself the content anyway as the training provider does not go into enough detail. Additionally, as this is online it can be less engaging than usual lectures but this is understandable as Exeter is a long distance from London
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The apprenticeship work we have to complete is useful as it helps me reflect on the work I do day to day and I can see where I have developed since joining. It also ensures I demonstrate different knowledge, skills and behaviors in my role which is crucial to being successful in my career.
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 are various networking events which I have attended which allows me to meet different individuals from the bank which I would never usually get the chance to meet. There are also different networks in the bank which you can join that host various events throughout the year. Additionally, the apprentice net host different events/talks which are very insightful.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend UBS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Mainly the people as everyone is so lovely and supportive. Additionally, I think the degree apprenticeship offer at UBS is unlike any other offering as you complete a variety of qualifications while having on the job experience and not having any university debt. Another reason to do an apprenticeship with UBS is the opportunities beyond the day to day role such as volunteering and networking events.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to UBS?
The biggest tip is to be yourself as this is why people like you! Additionally, show your understanding of banking and UBS and why you think the bank is a great fit for you. I also think you should be willing to work hard as balancing all of the requirements of a degree apprenticeship can be very challenging and a sacrifice sometimes.
