Internships and Degree Apprenticeships: What’s Right for Me?

When it comes to taking the next step in your career, making the right decisions can be daunting. Whether you’re considering a college course, an apprenticeship, university or a degree apprenticeship – it’s important to investigate all your options, so you can make a well-informed decision that’s right for you.

And who better to speak to about career decisions than someone who has just made an important decision themselves? In this article, we talk to Grace – a college student who has decided a degree apprenticeship is the perfect next step in her professional journey. Whilst with us, Grace spent time with TECOSIM intern Dom who shared his thoughts on his internship with her.

Introducing Grace Dilara

Having successfully completed an internship during the Summer, Grace is now considering the next steps in her career.

Grace is currently studying at East Norfolk Sixth Form College and – having thoroughly enjoyed her internship experience – she now has her sights set on a degree apprenticeship.?

We spoke to Grace about her internship and why she’s planning to pursue the degree apprenticeship route going forwards.

Can you tell us about your recent internship?

?I completed a 4-week internship programme with EEEGR in August this year. This was an incredible experience, and I truly enjoyed every minute of it!

?I am currently completing an A-level in business, but the internship really took this to the next level, as it gave me the opportunity to see what I have learnt being applied in a company setting. I was also able to utilise the skills I have gained at college, enabling me to expand upon and cement my existing knowledge.

Throughout the internship, I was required to support a variety of web and social projects. This involved researching and executing associated tasks and sorting and collating relevant information into spreadsheets. I also partook in several onsite client visits, as well as sitting in on client meetings.?

My internship enabled me to really improve my networking and communication skills, alongside my organisational abilities – prioritising tasks and answering emails promptly. I was also required to write a number of informative articles, with the company trusting me to conduct associated interviews independently.

The tasks delegated to me were carefully tailored to the subjects I am passionate about – something I appreciated greatly, as this really aided my learning and improved my confidence. For example, one of my tasks involved writing a thought leadership piece on climate change, discussing the impact this issue has on my generation. I thoroughly enjoyed this task, as I felt I was able to offer a unique insight on the topic.

All in all, completing my internship was a fantastic experience as it gave me a clear vision of my career path, and what I want to achieve going forwards.

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What are your future career goals?

Moving forwards, I would like to pursue a degree apprenticeship in marketing and management. I have chosen this option as degree apprenticeships tend to be more in depth – lasting longer than a normal apprenticeship – which will enable me to achieve a degree qualification.

In comparison to a typical university degree, a degree apprenticeship would also allow me to gain first-hand experience working for a company. This option would also enable me to be more hands on, putting what I learn into practice and developing key skills which I can apply in my future roles – rather than only using my knowledge on a theoretical basis.

A degree apprenticeship would also provide a financial benefit, as I would be fully paid, meaning I wouldn’t have to worry about student debt. That being said, my college have been really good at keeping students informed on how university debt can be managed and paid off – so avoiding student debt is a bonus for me, rather than a key deciding factor.

Furthermore, if I can secure a degree apprenticeship that is close to home, having the option to live at home while I complete my qualification would also enable me to save.

In terms of negatives, I am aware that degree apprenticeships won’t provide me with the “university experience” that a university degree would. However, given the invaluable knowledge and hands on experience that a degree apprenticeship would provide me, I still feel this is the best option for me.

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We wish Grace the best of luck and can’t wait to hear how things progress!

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