Look what's just been posted, right as I hit 6 months of working at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as a Social Research Degree Apprentice! ???? These last 6 months have been incredible. Has it been difficult adjusting to absolutely everything? Oh god, yes. Has it been, and continues to be, hugely rewarding? Also yes! I had so many worries and doubts right from the application process, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have any now (imposter syndrome is a sneaky thing!). Trying to balance work, study, and life, as well as mental battles and self-doubt is not easy, but during these past 6 months I've shown to myself that I can and will overcome what life has lined up for me. I'm so grateful for my friends and loved ones who are all somehow okay with me talking their ears off about the highs and lows of everything, no matter how irrational or mundane ?? I'm really looking forward to what else life and this programme has got in store for me for the next 3.5 years. A happy 6 months to my fellow GSR apprentices! ??
What does a government social researcher do? With over 2,500 GSR members working across 50 government departments, roles can look very different! Meet Rachel ?? Rachel is a Social Research Apprentice working in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Here, Rachel talks about why she chose a career in social research, and what the first six months of the apprenticeship have been like.