Just completed Schedule 1 (the game), and I can honestly say it’s been one of the most unexpectedly impactful learning tools I’ve come across during my Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at J.P. Morgan.

What started as a game quickly became a deep dive into real-world decision making, financial reasoning, and strategic planning under pressure. Here’s what it’s taught me that’s fundamentally boosted my development:

✅ Risk vs Reward Thinking – I’ve sharpened my ability to evaluate risk more dynamically, a skill that directly feeds into the investment and project decisions I’m learning to make.

✅ Time Management & Prioritisation – The game’s structure forces you to prioritise tasks and resources with limited time – just like in the fast-paced environment of financial services.

✅ Data-Led Decision Making – I’ve learned to rely on key indicators and patterns, mirroring the way we use data at J.P. Morgan to drive intelligent, informed outcomes.

✅ Resilience Under Pressure – Not every decision went my way, but adapting on the fly and learning from outcomes is something I’m now more confident doing, both in the game and at work.

Big thanks to the team behind Schedule 1 – it’s more than a game, it’s a real learning experience. Highly recommend to any apprentices, analysts, or early-career professionals looking to develop sharp decision-making and strategic awareness.

#LearningByDoing #DegreeApprenticeship #JPMorgan #Schedule1 #ProfessionalGrowth #FintechLearning #DecisionMaking #Level6Apprenticeship

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been playing Anno 1800, and it’s honestly one of the most intellectually rewarding strategy games I’ve ever come across.

But more than just entertainment, it’s become a surprising learning tool that’s significantly enhanced the way I think during my Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at J.P. Morgan.

Here’s what Anno 1800 has taught me that now influences my day-to-day thinking in a financial and business context:

🔁 End-to-End Systems Thinking – The game forces you to understand and build entire supply chains, from raw materials to finished goods. This has helped me grasp complex workflows and dependencies – much like how large-scale systems interact in banking and tech.

📊 Resource Allocation & Trade-Offs – Managing limited workers, space, and resources while scaling production directly mirrors real-world project and portfolio management.

🌍 Global Trade & Economic Cycles – Setting up trade routes and responding to market needs has made economic concepts feel more tangible. It's given me a new appreciation for global markets and logistical planning.

⚙️ Strategic Planning with Agility – Balancing long-term growth with short-term crises in the game mirrors the importance of staying agile and adaptable in a corporate environment.

🧠 Thinking Big While Managing the Small – The combination of macro and micro management has helped me bridge the gap between strategy and execution—an essential skill in finance and business strategy roles.

Anno 1800 has shown me how games can be powerful simulations for real-world skills—and it's made me a sharper, more systems-aware apprentice because of it.

Highly recommend to anyone in business, tech, or strategy roles. The learning is real!

#DegreeApprenticeship #JPMorgan #Anno1800 #StrategyGames #SystemsThinking #FinanceLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #GamifiedLearning #Level6Apprenticeship #RealWorldSkills