So we've come, to the end of the road...

Hi Guys,

As my completion date draws closer I wanted to take this chance to share my experience about my apprenticeship as a whole. Prepare for a lengthy rant. I hope you find it useful whether you’re interested in apprenticeships or entering the world of work.

My Old University Room

The Beginning…

My apprenticeship was plan B. I was in university enjoying the perks of living on campus, students rave nights and being able to skip lectures and still pass assignments with a grade B and above.

I loved university, but quickly found my course wasn’t for me. I decided to leave fairly early; living as a student whilst not actually studying is quite the life. However, all good things come to an end.

As summer approached it hit home I needed another option. This is where apprenticeships stepped in. I got my head around what they offered and was really excited to do one.

My excitement was quickly diminished after 5 long months of ‘unsuccessfuls’ and ‘application denied’. Finding an apprenticeship was as difficult as getting into university; I started to panic, I hadn’t planned on not graduating. Being unemployed and unsure where you’re heading is an issue that unfortunately far too many young people are experiencing. With limited opportunities to satisfy the ambition and aspirations of my generation, it’s very common for people to settle. In a way that’s what I did.

Starting My Apprenticeship…

I was offered the role of Marketing Assistant at DiVA; the feelings differed to when I was accepted into university. University was always my plan, when I enrolled I was over the moon, everything was falling into place. 

Baby Me :)

I was happy to start at DiVA, but was unsure and scared. It very much resembled my first day at nursery. It wasn’t in my plan and I never really showed an interest in marketing.  I didn't know where it would take me but was worried I wouldn’t have anything if I didn’t go with it, so I took the position.

My Apprenticeship…

My day as Lead DiVA

After getting a grasp of working at DiVA and getting my head around marketing I began developing genuine interest for the field. I’ve learnt the importance of marketing. Whether you’re a product, company or person, no matter how amazing your idea or how talented you are, if you can’t market yourself, it’s pointless. I began incorporating my apprenticeship into my new plan, which helped me adjust easier. I was happier not only at work but also within myself. I was learning new things and meeting new people; living in the real world and experiencing it first hand is invaluable, for me personally, it was more beneficial than being taught how to do a job. I wasn’t being taught; I was doing it and learning as I went along.  I never felt I was missing out on education as I’ve been studying alongside my job. I really got the best of both. 

My Director (Arit Eminue) and I

If I had to describe my apprenticeship in one word it would be challenging.

The past year has tested my limits and stretched me further than before. It has been hard in the workplace as well as outside of it. Being the only one of my friends to leave university and do something different felt lonely at times. You don’t get a summer break, you can’t go raving on a weekday, and you have to be so responsible.  I cannot stress how much I miss student loan and regular trips to Westfield’s.

It’s been hard, tough, and there have been times I felt like quitting, but it has been real.  My eyes have been opened to the working world and it’s helped me understand where I wish to fit in it. As the end of my apprenticeship draws near I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride in myself, I feel rejuvenated and ready to face the world.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity that DiVA gave me, and even more grateful for the experiences I have had. With the ups and downs, I feel that apprenticeships offer an experience that would benefit so many people in this day and age.

Where To Now...

Ready for the world

I’m not sure where I would like to move onto but I know I am ready to move on. I am ready to explore all my possibilities; as important as it is to have a plan, I am ready to search for what is out there and not follow a route just because it has been tried and tested. I am confident enough in myself to do this, and the thought of it is so exciting.

As I wrap up the next few weeks at DiVA I want to say thank to all those who have listened to me rant on over the past year and I hope that it has helped or inspired you in some way.

Everyone has his or her path to follow, just make sure you’re following it for yourself, no matter how different or scary it may seem.

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

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