Portfolio Support Administrator Review
at Pearson
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
London
Review Submitted: May 2025
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
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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
I am responsible for supporting the portfolio in administrative tasks of the portfolio as well as managing some projects. This includes standing up governance structures to ensure the right level of information and decision-making. I also manage risks within projects and across various portfolio, ensuring they are surfaced in the correct forum. I will conduct financial admin within the portfolio.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the exposure and variety I have through my role, this includes understanding the smaller finer details as well as the more higher level strategic aims of the portfolio. There is also the ability to work both independently and within teams so that you can focus on your personal development whilst learning from others and developing soft skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt several skills within my role, one of them being stakeholder management and how to communicate to the person based on what their relevance and interest is to the subject. I have learnt time management, how to prioritise and how to have prioritisation conversation and workshops to ensure scope and delivery.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure can be improved from the college's part as they hold our learning hours over 2 days every fortnight which is challenging. Other than that I think the current structure works well. I think more could be done from the college regarding communications on when confirming when we're expected to come in person and administrative support for platforms and account associated with our study.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a great amount of support from the Apprentice/Early Talent Programme Manager as well as my line manager. I am able to be open and honest about my progress and experiences regarding my apprenticeship as well as receive help regarding my apprenticeship when I need it. There is a high level of safeguarding to ensure my safety both physically, mentally and emotionally.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Support is average. I think there is help when asked and there is guidance on assignments and knowledge however there is poor communications. Some of my experiences include having to chase for issues when I am submitting my assignment or just understanding what the process or best person to reach out to is in certain concerns.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It helps me understand the theory within my role. The contents of my qualification appears within my role in various ways and being able to ground the theory of qualification to the practical implications of such theory allows me to have a better understanding of how things can or should be approached.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Pearson have employee resource groups that we can join and participate with on an ad hoc basis. I myself am a lead of the Gen-Z Network. These resource groups provide employees the opportunity to network and meet new people as well as expand their understanding of the business whilst being a part of change.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Pearson to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Pearson have a strong learning culture that breeds people's ability to navigate the workplace and adopt various career paths. I also think people are very helpful and kind when new starters join as well as throughout my experience at the company. There are several benefits available, such as save for shares, pension contributions and health care that many other places don't necessarily offer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pearson?
I would say make sure you research the industry and the new, more current ways of working within the job role you are applying for. The company has new leadership, and therefore a new strategy and the company had previously been operating in an outdated way so being aware of current disruption and ways of working are attractive.
