Chibi took part in the Apprenticeship Summer School in 2023 at the University of Warwick where he explored different pathways to law, finance and property. In September 2024, Chibi began his degree apprenticeship at Bloomberg. He talks about his experience with the Sutton Trust and Bloomberg, and offers some advice for those also interested in applying for apprenticeships.

Tell us a bit about your background

I’m from a Nigerian family and was born and raised in South London. We moved around and eventually ended up in Dulwich, where I attended a state school.

What does your role at Bloomberg involve?

I’m currently in the Customer Account Management Support (CAMS) team, which I’m really enjoying. After a year I will get to rotate into the Analytics Team, supporting Bloomberg’s clients and their work flows directly, which I’m really looking forward to. Alongside this, I’m also studying towards a BA degree in Finance and Investment at the London Institute of Banking and Finance as part of the degree apprenticeship.

What was your experience at the Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School like?

Really really really good! I spent three days at Warwick University on the residential where I met two other people who now work at Bloomberg – one is close friend who encouraged me to apply to Bloomberg! As part of the programme, I went also to the PWC office in Birmingham – it was a great experience to see what a firm like PWC looks like.

We gained plenty of insight into what it’s like to be an apprentice. I particularly enjoyed the Classroom to Boardroom session. I also met and secured an invaluable mentor on the residential. She helped support me with CV writing, applications, etc., which really helped me apply and get onto the apprenticeship. Without the Sutton Trust I don’t think I would have got into my apprenticeship.

On the residential it became more clear to me that university wasn’t the path I wanted to take – after the three days I even wanted to go home. But it did help redefine my search on what I wanted to do, and helped to make the route into apprenticeships clearer. It also helped me to feel more ready at the beginning of my apprenticeship, as I gained a better understanding of what it would be like going into it.

How did you find your overall experience with the Sutton Trust? 

Using STO really boosted my confidence during university applications, A-level revision, and applying to apprenticeships. I feel like schools often push us to apply to university and apprenticeship applications can be a little less supported than university ones. This is why I found STO invaluable, as it showed me how to take a staged and structured approach to apprenticeship applications, taking me through the entire application process from start to finish. I also had access to Uplearn through STO which brought my grades from D’s to A’s.

Applications for apprenticeships can be at difficult times, especially during A-level mock exams, school holidays, and university application season, so getting the time balance right can be super tough. STO helped me approach and manage these more effectively so I could thrive in all areas.

Have you encountered any challenges in your career?

Degree apprenticeships can be difficult in terms of balancing between a job and studying. You are working a full day job but also expected to do your university assignments, which can be tough. I also struggled a bit with the transition to doing university work as I was used to more maths-style work at A-level, whereas now I need to write a lot of essays.

I’ve definitely gotten into the swing of things and feel like I’m thriving. Bloomberg provides great support and acknowledges that there is a tough balance. They are very proactive with checking-in on our university work and making sure we are striking the right balance.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to go into a Degree Apprenticeship, particularly with Bloomberg? 

In October and November applications open for big banks. Others open in February/March. University applications open and mocks are on the same time, so it can be tough. From the beginning of Year 12 I was super proactive with networking and gaining insight and work experience – even if this was just one day long. I wasn’t confident with networking but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by chatting with other people. Unlike university, where you have more flexibility in terms of career choice, doing an apprenticeship commits you earlier to a particular career. I always advise people to go to lots of different events to get a better understanding of what you want to do. 

When applying I’d recommend get your CV ready, use the help provided on STO to structure your applications, and don’t give up because they are so competitive – you can always apply the next year. Record yourself practicing for interviews and watch it back to see how you can improve.

There are often situational judgement tests, mathematics tests, and English language tests preliminary to the interview. Some people say to be true and honest with your answers if you get a situational judgement test. If you’re not honest and lie, then even if you succeed, you sold yourself as a false person, and you won’t fit in with the culture of the company. On the other hand, it may be good to think about what the companies’ values are and pick the answer that most aligns with those values.

For mathematics and English skills tests I benefited a lot from online resources and videos and doing lots of practice exams.

Lastly, what would you say to someone who is unsure if they want to apply to a Sutton Trust programme?

Just do it! Just go for it. Use all the resources available because it will definitely help you.

 

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