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I am currently an Operations apprentice at Aberdeen Asset Management. During my 2 year apprenticeship I will rotate every 4 months into different departments gaining new skills and learning more about the business as a whole. I enjoy the fact that we get to change departments as this broadens my knowledge and also gives me ideas on what department I would like to permanently get a job in at the end of my apprenticeship. I enjoy learning something new every day, dealing with people at all levels of the business and being part of a team. Also, the support you receive from the apprentices who were in our shoes in previous years is amazing. There are many social events which allow you to meet other people within the business.
The most challenging thing about my apprenticeship is leaving each rotation after 4 months. By the end of the rotation I feel like I have a clear understanding of the job role and can work efficiently without needing extra assistance. Then you join a new department, clueless of what is going on and the cycle continues.
During my last year at school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next although I knew university wasn’t for me: I couldn’t cope with sitting in lectures for 4 years and not earning much money. I knew I was best suited to on the job training. I started looking for apprenticeships but the majority seemed to be engineering based. A close family friend recommended applying for the Aberdeen Asset Management Apprenticeship Programme. Following my job application and a job interview I was invited back to do two weeks’ work experience. I knew then that I wanted to work here. After a final interview I thankfully got the job and started in September 2016.
I’m not entirely sure where I will end up with a permanent roll. I am very open minded and keen to try out as many departments as possible to help me create a successful future. I am excited to see what the future holds for me at Aberdeen Asset Management.
By grabbing the opportunity that was given to me I have been able to put myself one step ahead of the others surrounding me. The programme has given me the advantage of learning and earning at the same time while also gaining experience within the financial industry.
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