Core PM Apprentice Review
at BlackRock
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
London
Review Submitted: May 2024
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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
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:
5/5
The best way Id describe being a Core PM would be the internal support to the PMs, being part of the wider investment process. My day to day responsibilities range from early mornings spent doing the FXs for a range of wider teams, cash reports, and more whilst handling external projects!
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
So far, Ive enjoyed every second of it! Stepping into a huge environment full of different individuals from a variety of places in different job functions have meant the opportunities to learn have been endless. Everyones been extremely friendly and happy to chat, the day-to-day roles have been engaging and interesting to understand and having such a tight-knit cohort has definitely made the company a lot more easier to embark into.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Ive personally think Ive developed my soft skills like communication (whether that be verbally or virtually!), networking, analytical thinking, team building with people within the building and globally-alike, and time-management through my daily processes as well as learning transferable skills through my day to day tasks like using Excel, SQL, PowerPoint, etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
As we are the first Apprentice class, the structure has been a learning experience to adapt to and being able to understand how to balance our job role whilst studying for our qualification has been a good learning process.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Whether thats within the job function, my managers and the wider team that have trained me have been really supportive in helping me understand not only my daily processes and misunderstandings, but the holistics of the organisation and team - and around navigating study leave for the exams and any difficulties in content they can address.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
BPP provide us Apprentices with a designated coach who helps address any misunderstandings or queries we have when it comes to the assignments were given to the exams and any extra support we need - setting up meetings with us and our managers every 6 weeks which I find really helpful.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I personally feel the qualification gives a really good foundation to the overall knowledge needed within the financial industry, making it even more helpful and interesting. For instance, our first exams covered topics like types of Markets, Equity, Derivatives, Bonds, etc which are good fundamental basics to know about, especially in my job role.
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
From the variety of networks, team-specific events (pub quiz, charity football matches, etc) and mentorship programs offered, there are countless opportunities to network - not just within the firm but outside as external companies are invited too.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BlackRock to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The different people to learn from, culture and networks all really make up what BlackRock is all about. The thriving environment is what makes it more interesting to be here!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BlackRock?
Jump into the deep end and immerse yourself into whatever you're applying to, because the opportunities and skills you attain after that can be endless!
