Getting to know DHL Apprentice Nasim Sherif

Nasim Sherif began his Professional Accounting Level 4 apprenticeship with DHL eCommerce UK in June 2023. After a year and a half, he completed his qualification with distinction. He now works with the Finance Team in Ryton.

What challenges have you faced during your learning process, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was coming into Finance with no prior experience in the industry. I had to understand the different services offered in Mail and, most importantly, understand the financial complexity involved when billing the customer depending on the type of contract they are on.

I overcame these challenges through mentorship from my manager who supported me massively. They helped me to tackle these new concepts at my own pace and build a solid foundation for further growth in my professional career. I also asked questions to help me understand these ideas further and give me the ability to tackle tasks more independently.

How do you manage balancing work tasks and learning new concepts, or techniques?

Time management has been key. I prioritise urgent tasks first and set aside dedicated time in the afternoon for learning. I also use downtime or quieter periods to go through training materials. Keeping a structured to-do list also helps ensure that I don’t fall behind on work responsibilities or personal development goals, as at the beginning of my apprenticeship this was something heavily advised from my manager and colleague.

What resources have been the most helpful to you?

My mentor has been invaluable in guiding me through complex finance concepts and providing industry insights

The training materials and the online portal provided from the learning provider have helped accelerate my exam success. The regular feedback sessions with my manager have also helped to prepare further training opportunities, and this has helped me to constantly think of ways to improve which is an integral in Finance.

Additionally, collaborating with other colleagues has been instrumental. Spending a week with the Accounts Payable Team and Financial Control helped me see how different departments within the Finance function play their part to support the overall goal and strategy in ensuring the business is constantly improving.

What aspect of your apprenticeship has been the most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship is seeing my work contribute to real business decisions and help my colleagues in adding value.

Also, to have performed well in my CIMA exams at Level 4 and in particular my recent End Point Assessment where I had achieved a distinction grade was a really proud moment for me. I now look forward to beginning my Level 7 CIMA apprenticeship soon!

I would like to thank each and every person who has supported me in my journey so far, directly or indirectly, and I look forward to one day being able to pass on what I have learnt to the next generation.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I’d advise them to stay proactive and curious. It’s important to constantly ask questions and be curious, because only then will you get the answer you're looking for. When I began my apprenticeship, I found this challenging - as a new apprentice coming into the professional environment, I wanted things to go perfectly but you soon realise this is impossible and it's okay if you learn from your mistakes, and look for ways to improve.

Finally, remember that learning happens both in structured training and through hands-on experience, so take every task as an opportunity to grow. Also, building good relationships with colleagues can open doors to mentorship and future career opportunities.