GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Hajrah Shah
I chose to do an apprenticeship because I saw the incredible value in gaining hands-on experience while learning on the job. I’ve always had a passion for IT, and pursuing an apprenticeship offered me the opportunity to step into a real working environment, where I could develop my skills directly and learn from experienced, senior colleagues. This approach to learning felt like the best way to deepen my understanding of the field, as I could immediately apply new knowledge in practical situations and build a strong foundation for my career in IT.
Tell us more about your experience
While I’m aligned with the public sector, I’m fortunate to work across a variety of industries, helping customers unlock the potential of their data post-sales. Each day, I dive into unique challenges and opportunities, shaping solutions that drive real impact for customers.
The highlight of my career so far has been working within Microsoft’s incredible culture, where the “learn-it-all” mindset is central. This environment has been perfect for an apprentice like me, as it constantly encourages growth, curiosity, and hands-on learning. Being surrounded by approachable, supportive colleagues who are always willing to share their knowledge has been invaluable. This experience has shown me just how effective an apprenticeship is—not only am I gaining technical skills, but I’m also learning directly from experts in a collaborative, growth-focused culture, which is exactly what I hoped for when I chose this path.
The biggest challenge of my career so far has been learning to balance my work responsibilities with university coursework. Juggling both can be intense at times, but the apprenticeship structure has really helped with this. Having 20% of my time dedicated to “off-the-job” training has made it much easier to stay on top of my studies without sacrificing my work commitments. This structured time has allowed me to focus on developing academically while still applying what I learn directly in my role, creating a balanced approach that supports both my professional and educational growth.
The support so far at Microsoft has been great. I’m fortunate to have a strong support network that includes my manager, colleagues, and training provider. My manager is incredibly supportive, regularly checking in to ensure I’m on track with my university work and offering guidance to help me balance my studies with my responsibilities at work. My colleagues are also very encouraging and are always willing to offer advice and support whenever I need it. Additionally, my training provider plays an active role by checking in on my progress, making sure I understand each module, and helping me stay organized with everything I need to successfully complete my apprenticeship. This combined support system has been invaluable in helping me succeed both at work and in my studies.
I chose the apprenticeship path to gain firsthand experience in the field while completing my degree. To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I’d say: absolutely go for it! It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and jumpstart your career in ways you won’t regret.