GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Erin
If you're unsure of what to do after school/college, look into apprenticeships. They are a great way to earn while you learn. If you are unsure of a specific area you want to go into, find a more general apprenticeship. There is something for everyone!
Tell us more about your experience
What are your interests outside of work?
I am very active, so I am a regular at the gym. I also love the outdoors, so you’ll usually find me hiking or paddle boarding. I have recently taken up running and decided what better way to start than to sign up for a half marathon which I’ll be running in October.
Since Covid I have really enjoyed travelling and seeing more of the world, going on weekend trips where I can!
Can you describe your job and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
One of the perks of the job is that each day can be very different. There are routine tasks that happen or must be looked at if there’s an issue. I work on different projects. People from around the site come to me with ideas of how we can use the data we produce more effectively so the business can be more efficient. This is great as it allows me to work with different teams to learn about new areas of the business. With this information I create reports and come up with solutions to assist the business with making more informed business decisions.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Meeting other apprentices on various trips and networking activities.
Taking on and leading projects from start to finish, you get a great sense of accomplishment seeing your ideas become a reality!
What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
Balancing day to day work and university work can be a challenge. If you plan your days well and put aside time where you can focus on your studies, you can easily maintain a work life balance!
What sort of support network do you have at your company?
At GSK there is a great support network. You have weekly meetings with your manager as well as meetings with the other apprentices on site to check how the others are doing and to raise any issues that may arise. As GSK is a large company you can also sign up for mentoring schemes from across the business which you may find beneficial. No matter what you need support with whether it be in your personal life or work life there is always someone to talk to.
What will happen at the end of your apprenticeship and have you discussed this with your employer?
The apprenticeship has been a great way to find which areas I enjoy most so I can specialize in these areas when looking for a landing role.
What would be your words of advice to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Take the plunge! You get experience and qualifications at the same time. There are any development activities that you can also take part in which are great for growing not only at work but in your personal life too. In a job world where experience is more valuable than qualifications just go for it!