In Their Shoes series - An interview with an incoming apprentice at a Big Four firm.

Welcome to "In Their Shoes," where we explore the journeys of exceptional students who balance academics and professional development. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Lami, a remarkable Year 13 student at Glenthorne High School. Lami is not only excelling in his A-level subjects—psychology, business, EPQ, and Core Maths—but also serves as the Deputy Head Boy. He has recently secured apprenticeship offers from KPMG and Deloitte, setting a strong foundation for a promising career in consultancy. Let's delve into Lami's journey and gain insights from his experiences.

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1) Can you tell us more about yourself?

I am a Year 13 student at Glenthorne High School, focusing on psychology, business, EPQ, and Core Maths for my A-levels. In addition to my academic pursuits, I serve as the Deputy Head Boy, and I am excited to be starting an apprenticeship at a Big Four company soon.

2) What factors did you consider when deciding which apprenticeship to apply for?

When selecting an apprenticeship, it was crucial for me to choose a role that would serve as a solid foundation for my future career in consultancy. I focused on opportunities that aligned with my long-term goals and withdrew applications that did not. Knowing early on that I wanted to enter the consultancy field helped me concentrate my efforts on relevant applications. Additionally, I considered the reputation of the companies and invested more time in those whose names would enhance my CV. I also looked into the company culture to ensure they foster an empowering environment for their employees.

3) Why did you decide to pursue an apprenticeship?

Initially, I planned to follow the traditional university route. However, my Business teacher introduced me to the concept of apprenticeships, sparking my interest. A call with Pathways CTM further illuminated the possibilities apprenticeships offer. Although I wasn't certain about the industry I wanted to join at first, numerous interviews and assessment centers helped me discover my passion for consultancy. As a people person who thrives on client interaction, I found consultancy to be a perfect fit. I was fortunate to receive offers from both KPMG and Deloitte, two of the Big Four firms known for extensive client engagement.

4) What is your advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship?

My foremost advice is to thoroughly research apprenticeships and understand the various options available. Passion for the roles you apply for will provide an extra boost of motivation during interviews and assessment centers. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of information and many misconceptions about apprenticeships, so doing your homework is essential. Be ready to clearly articulate why you are interested in the role, as this is often the first question in interviews. I also recommend connecting with current employees on LinkedIn to learn about their experiences. One strategy that set me apart was creating a dedicated folder for each company I applied to, containing core information about the company, the division I applied for, and the company values. Lastly, unless you are entirely set on an apprenticeship, I suggest applying to universities as a backup plan.

5) How did you balance your academic work and extracurricular activities while applying for apprenticeships?

Effective time management is critical to balancing academic work and apprenticeship applications. I recommend time-blocking sessions for preparing for assessment centers, interviews, and completing online tests. One mistake I made was applying to many roles in a short time frame, which led to an overwhelming number of online tests and insufficient time to complete them. This caused me to miss some opportunities. When applying, be mindful that you might receive an invitation for an online test with a tight deadline. In cases where I was overwhelmed, I reached out to recruiting teams to request extensions, and they were usually very understanding. However, it’s important to ask for extensions early rather than at the last minute to avoid rejection, especially if deadlines fall on a Friday or weekend.

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Lami's transition from considering university to securing esteemed apprenticeship offers at Deloitte and KPMG highlights the importance of exploring diverse educational and career pathways. His thoughtful approach and strategic planning offer invaluable lessons for students charting their own futures. By staying informed, passionate, and well-organized, Lami sets a powerful example for others. We wish him great success in his burgeoning career in consultancy.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next edition. Share this newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to subscribe if they haven't already. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated on the latest stories and conversations.