University isn’t for everyone. If I could shout this from the rooftop, I would. For years I was blinkered into thinking university was the only route to a successful career. Everyone at my college presumed I would end up doing a degree because of my grades so I always felt like I should go. Less than a year ago I was going to Open Days and drafting my personal statement. Now I’m sat here writing this blog about my first week as an Apprentice Digital Marketer at my own desk with my own work computer. Oh, how times have changed. I was always very undecided about what I wanted to do, but it wasn’t until I saw the job description for an apprenticeship at DigitalDinos, that I truly knew what career I wanted to pursue.
I first saw the vacancy when I was studying for my Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and applied for it straight away. I was so worried that my only option after the course would be to have a gap year and apply to university the following year. Much to my relief, Carl and Reece offered the apprenticeship the following week and everything seemed to fall in to place.
Apprenticeships are seriously underrated. In my first week alone I have learned so much so quickly. By the fourth day, I was already helping to build websites for clients, something that I thought was only possible after at least a month. One of my biggest fears about university was not getting the real world experience I needed, but this apprenticeship has already offered me that and more.
In my first week I had planned and scheduled the companies tweets for the next fortnight; wireframed a website page; created graphics and built websites. Being in a small office makes asking for help so much easier. I hear so many horror stories about how little tutor time you get at university, but in my apprenticeship I know there is always support on hand if I need it which has really put me at ease. I cannot stress enough how much invaluable knowledge and experience I have gained in the past week, and I cannot wait to see where the next few weeks take me.
By the age of 20, I’m already working in an industry I love, and I plan to grow with DigitalDinos as a company. Hopefully, one day I’ll be able to help give another person the same amazing opportunity that I have been given.
