I am Gracie, the Digital Marketer apprentice at Farrer & Co. I finished sixth form in 2022, and after much deliberation, I decided that university wasn’t for me. I wanted to gain real-life experience to back up the textbook knowledge I was learning, which is when I decided to apply for my job online.
I found apprenticeship opportunities by looking on both Indeed and the Government website. My interview process was very efficient, and I felt very at ease with both VQ Solutions and Farrer & Co. I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough experience coming straight from sixth form, but I was quickly reassured by everybody that I spoke to that I would be more than okay.
I was so excited to accept the job offer as I knew I would be working with great people and working towards a qualification. So far, I have absolutely loved my experience as an apprentice and can not recommend this route enough.
In a typical week, I spend Thursday and Friday afternoons studying digital marketing and the rest of the time gaining experience on the job. Since August, I have undertaken a wide range of tasks that have aligned with what I am studying. My favourite topic to study so far has been CMS (Content Management Systems) and learning how to use WordPress. My apprenticeship is extremely beneficial because I can bring forward ideas and information from what I am learning day-to-day and apply this to tasks I have been set. My team fully supports me, and I know that if I am ever stuck, I have a full support system to turn to.
So far, each day has been different, with tasks ranging from uploading blog posts to training other staff members on our content management system. Daily I will check my emails, complete any tasks due and have a meeting with my manager on tasks I have been set and any ways I can further progress.
I have experienced a high level of training from the firm on other skills, too, such as project management and networking skills, which have helped me continue to grow and develop and meet new people within the business. This has kept me motivated, as I love the process of learning new things.
Whilst working in the Marketing team at Farrer & Co, I have gained a broad knowledge of business services and how all the departments within a business work together. This has helped me learn about different career opportunities I didn’t hear about in sixth form. Seeing first-hand how marketing improves a business has really confirmed that this is what I am passionate about.
I would love to continue pursuing a marketing career after my apprenticeship and have been reassured that there are so many career opportunities available once you have completed an apprenticeship. The experience you gain is unmatched by anything you can experience within the university route, and my advice would be to research the company and course as much as you can to make sure it is the right fit for you.
My apprenticeship, so far, has been extremely enjoyable and I have met so many amazing people along the way. If this is a route you are contemplating, I would definitely recommend it and take any opportunities you are offered.
