• Name
    Vivian
    March 2022 Ambassador of the Month
  • Job Title and Employer
    Software Engineer
  • Employer
    Vodafone
  • Provider
    University of Lancaster
  • Levels
    Level 6 (Higher) Apprenticeship
  • Training Provider and Qualification
    Level 6 Software Engineer Apprenticeship
  • Occupations
    Computing, technology and digital
  • Apprenticeship Start Date
    Sep 2020
  • What are your interests outside of work?
    I enjoy motivational speaking, awareness and podcast discussions, designing, and sports! 
GetMyFirstJob Ambassador

Hello, I Am Vivian

March 2022 Ambassador of the Month

I wanted to guarantee that I could keep learning while gaining the experience that came with employment, this meant that a degree apprenticeship was the perfect match for me!

Tell us more about your experience

My typical daily role includes programming simple programmes that help my team visualise the server rooms back in the offices. I schedule meetings with individual team members about my progress and get feedback from them. I also support my team with admin, where I keep track of onboarding accounts with weekly reports to ensure people can log onto their accounts and use them easily. On specific days, I would have one-to-one catch-ups with my manager to ensure that I’m settling in well and that my targets are being met.

We normally have tea and coffee virtual calls where we can discuss non-work-related topics, like sports and fitness. These chats really help to develop our working relationships and get to know each other. Overall, I generally have fun and enjoy the spontaneity that can often come with my role. One of my proudest moments with my company was when I was able to speak on a Q&A panel to explain why Vodafone was a great place to work – it was a great experience!

I originally decided to do an apprenticeship as I was eager to apply my knowledge in real-life scenarios – this meant getting a job was essential to my plans! I also wanted to guarantee that I could keep learning, which meant that a degree apprenticeship was the perfect match for me.

“If I could give advice to anyone else considering an apprenticeship it would be to just do it!”

When I applied to my apprenticeship, I had a few struggles to get through. I had a lot of technical issues during the virtual assessment centre. I was terrified that it would affect my performance against other applicants. I think it was important that my constant communication and my passion really shone through, so I was able to complete my task despite my issues. It’s great to be prepared prior and be in the habit of managing your time to get everything done in heated situations like these!

My employer has given me some great guidance during my apprenticeship. They have proposed courses that I can take that can allow me to learn more about programming and help me in my role. They’ve also set me up with all the equipment I need for my role. Both my employer and training provider offer support with mental health, such as counselling. HELMS is also a department that supports us with academic writing by giving us feedback and advice on how to improve.

I have picked up some useful skills during my apprenticeship, including the need for transparency. I’ve learnt how to be more open and clearer about my progress and put out my opinion in a precise way. I’ve also developed my practical skills, like Python Programming Language, which really put me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to keep developing my knowledge. After my apprenticeship, I hope to use what I’ve learnt to explore different avenues, such as a graduate scheme or settle in a team.

“Don’t be afraid to do something different – something that might give you butterflies in your stomach!”

It’s just a sign that you’re learning and experiencing something new that’ll make you a stronger individual. An apprenticeship can really push your boundaries and help you develop. I used GetMyFirstJob when looking for an apprenticeship. I found it extremely useful to read reviews from the actual apprentices who are experiencing what I wanted to do. It gives you a unique perspective!

Interested in becoming an ambassador? Find out more!

Read Vivian's blog here

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