Degree Apprentice / Editorial assistant Review

Throughout the apprenticeship I work over 3 different placements. So far I have worked in 'Design and Engineering' and 'BBC Three'. Both have had a variety of tasks and the day to day has differed considerably. I’ve gone from working on projects that change the way hundreds of people have meetings to helping to write articles that are consumed by thousands of people. Officially I've been a business assistant and am now an editorial assistant - the word 'assistant' might not make you dream but since you're also the 'apprentice' you can get involved in a whole range of other roles that would otherwise not be available to someone who simply does this role. For example, I have been able to reach out and help in contacting, filming and producing content for Three. Something that would otherwise never have been possible simply coming in with a set role. The placements are very much what you make of them. That said, you can be sure you'll get daily tasks that you have to complete. For me these are things like managing documents, ensuring process occur correctly and

My skill on Excel has drastically improved. I can now confidently put together a high quality and details excel document and confidently present it to senior management. My people skills have also been significantly developed since I am exposed to variety of people everyday. Having come from sixth form, I have been able to develop crucial business know-how that I would have never obtained from university. Simply things that you would never think about, such as the best way to run a formal meeting, make a huge different in your capability to work in a business and I feel as though that’s an imperative skill/knowledge I have been lucky to acquire. Since it is the BBC you are able to learn how to adapt our approach for working in a large organisation.

The program has allowed me to meet incredible people and get into situations that I would have otherwise never been able to, such as working with celebrities and assisting on huge projects. The culture of the BBC focuses on growth and career development throughout the industry which has made me feel as though this is really a place in which I can develop.

I think that the apprentices at the BBC have a significant role to play, and are considered as any other employee would be. As a result the value you hold is also in your hands, it depends on the value you are willing to give. It is an organisation that will however let you push yourself to limits of you are capable of and therefore there is no real cap on the value you can bring.

The structure of the program enables you to complete all the work you need to do, both for work and for university. This said, there is still a considerable work load but for a competitive program like this one, no less can be expected. You've got to be ready to stay in a few weekends when the work all builds up. But when you have a goal and target in mind this isn't an issue. You are given a mentor both at university and work which really helps you progress and plan out your development. For someone like myself, I have found this to be a crucial aspect. You know who to go to when you have an issue.

Pearson College are very much there to push you, but like any university institution, you need to be comfortable with asking for the help when you need it. Since it is a business school the staff have a depth of business knowledge and should you chose too, you can can very much benefit from it all.

Unlike other apprenticeships the employer definitely understands the requirements and stresses that accompany the degree apprenticeship. And as such will work around what it already being required of us. People are generally very understanding that this might be your first time in the work place and will therefore offer all the support you need. Just be sure to take notes so people aren't repeating themselves with the same advice! For anything you are asked to do, you sill be adequately trained to do it, so it;s never like you're left in the dark wondering how to go about something.

London is very expensive and therefore living there is inherently difficult on most starting wages. That said it is achievable should you chose to budget correctly. That means you hit the bar Friday night but when your mad friends ask on Saturday you may have to say no!

Pearson university is particularly good at finding and organising events outside of work and uni. These events tend to be a great opportunity to network and develop new skills and are often funded. For example I was able to attend ‘One Question’ which was really interesting and opened up a whole new field of interests to me.

Yes

I would recommend the BBC to certain friends but not all. I say this because there is no hiding from the fact that the scheme is challenging and very demanding on ones abilities. This is therefore not something that everyone will be comfortable to do. But for friends who I know seriously want to progress in life at a quicker rate than others then I would most definitely encourage them to apply.

My best tip would be to show passion in what the BBC does and how you as an individual can both support that and help improve that. I know that sounds so basic and you've probably heard it before, but if you write an application or walk in to the interview prepared with good knowledge, reading on topical stuff, then you're going to show you want it more than someone who is simply chancing it. Be yourself, BUT make sure it's your best self. Show what you as a person can really bring to the scheme. If you are struggling to think of things - go ask friends or family, they will surely have a few of your qualities on mind that you can hone in on during the application (it's a fantastic ego boost too)!