I hope everyone
has had a great start to 2015 and I’d like to wish you all the best for the
year ahead.
It is really
surprising how fast the time is flying. When I started my apprenticeship, I had
no idea how fast it would go. Two years sounds a lot longer than it actually
is! Knowing that I only have around 8 months left on my apprenticeship is
unbelievable. My main focus for this year is to secure a permanent position for
after my apprenticeship, as well as continuing to complete my IOC exams.
Speaking of my
exam, I spoke about studying for my first exam. I have since sat the exam, just
before Christmas, and honestly felt that I'd done everything I could to fully
prepare myself for it. The exam was an Introduction to Securities and
Investments. It gives me great pleasure, as well as relief, to inform you that
I passed! I was so happy. After the exam, I had a short break from studying
while I enjoyed my festive period. The break was short lived as before I knew
it, I had the books to my second exam and I am currently working through the
material.
The other
apprentices and I are scheduled to visit the London office in early February. I
have liaised closely with colleagues in the London office to organise the
visit. The aim was to gain a better insight into the departments that are only
based in London. The apprentices and I had drawn up a plan for what we'd like
to do when we were in London. Some ideas included meeting with the RIM
Management Committee as well as fund managers and financial advisors, as well
as visiting the RUTM and marketing departments.
When we had outlined
an agenda, I then went back and forth with HR and a company secretary to
arrange a plan and overcoming setbacks. When in London, we will also get an
opportunity to have a guided tour of the city, which is an opportunity that doesn't arise every day!
I will give you
another update to tell you how it went after we go.
