Will an apprenticeship or university be right for you? I can’t pretend to know that answer. You thought I would right? Unfortunately not. But I’ve been to university and ended up doing a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship after I graduated. Maybe I can help you make the decision that’s right for you .
I went to university with a very clear idea of what I wanted to study: Creative Writing. I suited the academic environment, but I think I became too comfortable in it. So much so, that I left university with all of two summer internships under my belt. This brings me onto the first, and arguably most crucial difference between apprenticeships and university (which I’m sure you’re aware of, but still needs to be addressed).
- Apprenticeships give you real-world experience
Although internships and even a year in industry are great for giving you a taster of the working world, that’s exactly what they are. A taster. For me, I never felt truly integrated into the team as an intern, which was less to do with the culture of the companies that I worked at (I really enjoyed them!) and more to do with the fact that I always felt like I had one foot out of the door. How could I really be a valuable asset to the team when I’d be gone in 10 weeks?
I feel secure in the fact that I have a two-year contract as a Digital Marketing Apprentice, with a year of this in one team. I’ll be completely honest and say that I don’t find it the easiest getting to know new people, so knowing that I would be able to spend a year in the same team was a huge relief.
Feeling settled in this way meant that I was truly able to let my work-ethic shine; feel like I’ve actively contributed to the wider business in meaningful ways; and gain a solid couple of years in experience while I was at it.
- Networking becomes less scary (trust me!)
In the same way that being an apprentice makes me feel like a greater part of a team, it also makes me feel like I’m part of a community. That might sound clichéd, but if you’re anything like me and struggle to make small talk, having an immediate shared experience with someone makes talking to them a whole lot easier. Like most other things in life, the art of networking comes with practise. I’m by no means an expert (and won’t be for a VERY long time – if ever!) But the idea of attending a networking event doesn’t fill me with the same existential dread that it used to.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways that you can try networking without going to an in-person champagne and nibbles event .
Try virtual networking. My training provider often held these events, and they’re a great way to get to know new people. (Without having to physically stand in front of someone and make conversation!)
Or, if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous and would like to try an in-person event, companies often have Early Careers teams that will organise events for young people within the business (usually grads and apprentices). These are a great way to get to know people who are around your age and share similar experiences.
- It can be a rewarding experience in different ways
Lots of people talk about university being the best years of your life. It may be true, but it’s not universal. Whether it’s because it’s your first time away from home and you miss the comfort of it more than you thought you would, or the course you’ve found yourself on isn’t right for you. Of course, there are things you can do to combat these issues, and your university’s Student Support team will be there to help. However, the truth of it is that university is a rollercoaster. If you’re not prepared for that, it can sneak up on you. It can be hard to manage the conflicting emotions and experiences of your first taste of being an adult.
Beyond this, universities are home to thousands of students, and if you’re the sort of person who likes to leave an impression, university is an incredibly difficult place to do so.
On an apprenticeship, you will be given work that has a direct impact on your company’s business objectives. There is nothing quite like the pride you’ll feel at providing recommendations that your seniors go on to action. It can something as small as sharing a campaign you liked. Or, something as big as organising an approvals process for your newsletter.
- Nothing prepares you for the world of work like the world of work
This might sound similar to the first point I made but bear with me here. I’m talking from my own experience specifically, but I left university still feeling like I needed practical experience. Yes, I had a lot of great transferable skills, but I didn’t feel confident I could apply them. Nor did I feel like I had the knowledge I needed to work in the marketing industry. So, I applied to a Level 3 apprenticeship despite having a Master’s degree.
My point is… no matter the route we take, we all end up in the same working boat one way or another.
Doing an apprenticeship just might get you to where you want to be a little bit faster.
Be sure to check out some of the other great blogs here on The Apprenticeship Network, like this one: Can an apprenticeship jump-start your dream career? – The Apprenticeship Network
