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Gemma Binnie

Apprentice |
School/College Leaver

Why do you enjoy your job?

One of the main reasons I enjoy working as an apprentice is because I have the opportunity to rotate to different departments every four months before deciding on which career path I wish to take depending on where I have the strongest skill set and interest. The constant change in departments allows me to meet new people and develop a wider skill set. .I will spend time in departments such as IT, business risk, investment operations and finance.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

I feel one of the most challenging aspects of my job is leaving the team at the end of my four month rotation. As much as I am flexible and can adapt to new situations, it is always difficult to leave what you know to go into another department where it feels like your first day all over again. However, this is all part of the rotational apprentice experience. All staff at Aberdeen Asset Management* are very friendly and welcoming towards the apprentices and will do their best to help you settle into their team.

How did you get into your job?

I was more keen on a full time apprenticeship than going to college, so I signed up to the “Apprenticeships in Scotland” website where I received daily vacancy alerts. After seeing the advert for this apprenticeship with Aberdeen Asset Management, I attended an information evening, submitted my CV and was invited for two weeks’ work experience. Following a final interview, I was extremely lucky to be offered a place on the scheme. As a result, I declined my college place and started working in September 2016.

What are your future aspirations?

As an apprentice in my first year of full time employment, I am still unsure of the career path I wish to take but at the moment I have a keen interest in the business risk area of the company. However, this is not certain and the opportunities of rotating around various departments will open my mind to other potential career options. Whichever path I take, I wish to make it through with my determination, enthusiasm and wide skill set I have gained in my time with Aberdeen Asset Management.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

My experience as an apprentice so far has been extremely positive. In my first year with the company I have done so many different things I never would have imagined such as sleeping rough for the night in a car park for charity and gaining a great deal of responsibility, eg. planning a disaster recovery test for the London office. I am excited to see what the future will bring as part of this experience.

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