GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Mosope Akinsola
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I believed that learning on the job would be a more effective way to develop my skills and adapt to the corporate environment. I wasn't keen on going to university, as the idea of sitting in a classroom from Monday to Friday for another three years didn't appeal to me after my A-level experience. I've always had a strong interest in technology and understanding how it works, so working for a technology firm and gaining hands-on experience was very important to me. However, I still wanted to pursue a degree that combines the technical aspects of computer science with business knowledge. So, the technology solutions degree was the perfect fit, as it allowed me to achieve both goals.
Tell us more about your experience
As an Account Technology Strategist working within the local regional government, my role is focused on ensuring customers are aware of all the Microsoft technologies that could be effective for their local councils, and finding the perfect solutions to meet their needs. Throughout my apprenticeship journey, I have dedicated myself to upskilling with Microsoft technologies such as Copilot M365 and Power BI through Microsoft Certifications. On a typical day, I shadow client meetings with more senior colleagues to gain experience and a deeper understanding of my role. I also engage with clients directly, helping them to better understand AI and the transformative capabilities of Microsoft technologies for local councils. In addition, I focus on studying for my Microsoft certifications. I also create presentations to improve my public speaking skills and delve deeper into specific topics, such as Copilot. This not only enhances my knowledge but also allows me to contribute more effectively to client engagements
The highlight of my career so far was presenting to a group of care leavers about my decision to pursue an apprenticeship. I aimed to share my journey with them and offer top tips on how to apply. During the presentation, I discussed my apprenticeship experience, my reasons for choosing this path, and provided advice for their applications. This experience was invaluable, not only because it allowed me to improve my interpersonal and presentation skills, but also because it gave me the opportunity to positively impact people's lives. I was able to offer them motivation and practical help regarding apprenticeships, which was incredibly rewarding.
The biggest challenge of my career was an experience which helped me develop my time management skills and efficient prioritization of tasks. This was when I took on an extra project while already working on multiple others. I felt overwhelmed as I ended up using my study days, meant for my university work, as extra time to complete these projects. However, it wasn't a good idea, as I struggled to get back into the flow of completing my university work for the next few weeks. I overcame these challenges by creating a to-do list and prioritizing the most important tasks. Additionally, I reminded myself that nothing is too hard for me, what my goals are and I spoke with some of my apprentice colleagues to relieve some of my anxieties.
I am fortunate to have extensive support from both my company and my apprenticeship provider. Firstly, we have weekly meetings with our managers to discuss our progress and any upcoming tasks. Additionally, we have access to technical specialists who assist us in learning about the technologies we will be promoting in the future. Moreover, we are paired with buddies—experienced apprentices who provide advice and guidance on various aspects of our role. Our apprenticeship provider also assigns us two mentors who meet with us monthly to discuss our well-being, academic progress, and any concerns we may have. Lastly, we have apprentice leads within the company whom we can reach out to whenever we need further support. This comprehensive network ensures that we have the resources and guidance necessary to succeed in our apprenticeship journey.
At the end of the apprenticeship, the company aims to offer full-time roles to all of us. However, this is contingent on our progress and performance throughout the apprenticeship, which spans the next three years. This means that while there is a strong intent to transition us into permanent positions, it is not guaranteed. Our advancement will be closely monitored through regular evaluations, progress meetings, and feedback sessions. These assessments will consider various factors such as our technical skills development, project contributions, understanding of company processes, and how well we've adapted to the corporate environment. By continuously upskilling, meeting our milestones, and demonstrating a commitment to the role and company values, we increase our chances of securing a full-time position.
If you're considering an apprenticeship, these are tips that really helped me when I was applying: 1. Be Proactive: Look for work experience opportunities or create your own. For example, I started my own tutoring business to gain extra work experience and collaborate with people of all ages. 2. Reach Out for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for advice from people who are in positions you'd like to reach. Most people are willing to help and share valuable insights, so even if you're anxious, just go for it. 3. Embrace Rejection: Rejection can be tough, but it's a part of the process. Believe in yourself and have faith that you will find a role that's perfect for you. Remember, the companies that decline you just aren't the right fit. 4. Practice for Interviews: If you can, get someone to practice interviews with you. This will help you prepare for any questions a recruiter might throw at you. 5. Be Yourself: In interviews, be genuine. Present yourself in the best possible light by smiling, being interactive, and try to find common ground with your interviewer so they can see what you would be like to work with. 6. Have Faith in Yourself: Most importantly, trust in your abilities and have confidence in yourself. Your journey is unique, don’t get side-tracked by anyone else.