Tips on applying for an apprenticeship at Bloomberg

Daria Dobrzyniecka is the EMEA Apprenticeship Program Manager at Bloomberg. Here, she shares useful tips on how to make your apprenticeship application stand out. 

Applying for a job can be daunting — especially for those of us entering the working world for the first time. Back when I was a university student with practically no work experience, I really struggled to find things to write about in my CV. Little did I know that years later, as the EMEA Apprenticeship Programme Manager at Bloomberg, I would be helping prospective apprentices embark on their professional journey! 

If you’re thinking of applying for a Bloomberg apprenticeship, here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Before you apply

You will spend roughly a third of your life at work, so think about what you are good at and enjoy doing. Scrutinize the job description — identify the key capabilities you will need to do well, and determine if you possess them. Of course, it’s great to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and the Bloomberg apprenticeship program is one of the best ways to develop a new skill set. However, it’s always useful to have a solid foundation in your chosen field. 

How do you know if you have an aptitude for something? I’d suggest reflecting on your past experiences — be it school or extracurricular activities — and identifying the skills that came to you naturally. For instance, if you have a knack for numbers, you can consider an apprenticeship with Bloomberg’s Data team. Or if you’re a gifted writer who loves storytelling, how about exploring an apprenticeship with our Media and News department? 

Writing your CV

At Bloomberg, we’re looking for apprentices who are curious, adaptive and keen to problem-solve. As you’ll be balancing a full-time role with studying, the ability to manage your own time and communicate effectively is essential. It’s also important that you enjoy collaborating with others and have a real desire for collective success. These qualities should shine through in your CV, which is essentially a snapshot of who you are.

A good CV covers key details such as contact information, education, work experience and specific skills like languages and technical abilities. Focus on experiences and skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. You should also consider outlining your extracurricular activities, hobbies or voluntary work — this will help showcase your personality and demonstrate why you’re a good cultural fit for Bloomberg. 

Ensure that your resume is clear, concise and easy to follow. Typos and grammatical errors are a no-no, so ask someone to proofread your CV before submitting it. Your CV can help you to make a great first impression — so take care to get it right. 

Preparing for your interview

In my experience, preparation and practice are key to a successful interview. Do your research — on the format of your interview, Bloomberg’s culture and values, and of course, the apprenticeship in question. Think about why you want to work for Bloomberg and why the role appeals to you. Your recruiter will seek to evaluate your enthusiasm, teamwork and problem-solving capabilities, so start considering how you can successfully demonstrate these skills. 

Of course, you should also seize the opportunity to build your understanding of Bloomberg as a company, so don’t be afraid to ask questions during your interview. Remember, this is not only an avenue for us to learn about you — it’s also a chance for you to find out more about us. 

Gearing up for Assessment Day 

The Assessment Day is an important part of the apprentice recruitment process at Bloomberg. This typically involves a combination of exercises and interviews, depending on the role in question. For instance, you might be asked to complete a technical assessment, participate in a group task, or join in a role-play exercise. 

While there might not be very much you can do to prepare, you can still take steps to feel more confident and comfortable. For instance, in any group exercise, try to keep in mind what the traits of a good team player are. If the role-play exercise involves interacting with clients, then think about what exceptional customer service should look like. 

Once you’ve completed Assessment Day, don’t be shy to ask for feedback from your recruiter. This will show that you care deeply about the role, while also highlighting areas of improvement that you can focus on in the future. Regardless of your Bloomberg application outcome, we want the process to be a positive learning experience that will help you grow — both as a professional and as a person.