Tell us a bit about yourself...
Hi! My name is Mariam Shaikh, I’m from London and I’m 19 years old. I am currently a Business Administration Apprentice for the London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (LAAN), and although I just started this role, I love it already and I’m so excited to see what’s to come. As soon as I came across the role when it was posted, I knew that I had to apply since I’ve always wanted to have a career in the business sector, and completing this apprenticeship would be a great way to get my foot in the door!
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship because I felt like it was the best way for me to kickstart my career. Towards the end of my A Levels, I decided that I no longer wanted to go to University; I wanted an experience where I was employed in a professional environment whilst learning new things, so I took a gap year to think about where I wanted to be and learnt about the benefits of apprenticeships and how they are a fantastic alternative to University because at the end of the day, University isn’t for everybody.
How was your first day?
The first day in any position is always a little daunting; I was really nervous to start, but everyone I met was really friendly and offered me a helping hand if I had any questions or concerns, which made me feel more at ease. It was a completely new environment for me, so my first day included inductions and getting to grips with what I would be doing in my role and who I will be working with. Having a positive mindset and remaining confident on my first day is what really helped me to pull through, and it helped me make a good first impression with everyone that I would be working with.
What tips or advice would you give to other apprentices just starting out?
One piece of advice I would give to new apprentices is to go easy on yourself! Many people starting a new job get anxious when they worry about not understanding something they were told to do or getting something wrong. Everybody makes mistakes and it’s what makes us human; your colleagues will be a great source of support, so all you need to do is ask them about anything you’re not sure of. Another tip would be to try and get to know as many people you will be working with. This will be a big help in the future and will make you feel part of the team! Anyone would be happy to have a chat with you when you need it, maybe if you feel a little out of your depth or if you just need advice about your work. Building bridges at work makes you feel more comfortable in your environment and will definitely make your apprenticeship journey so much better.
How do you think an apprenticeship will help you progress your career?
Although I have just started my journey, I know that my apprenticeship will help me progress in every way I can possibly think of. It is going to open so many new doors for me and will help build my confidence as I am learning new things I’ve never known how to do before. I also have the ability to network with a huge range of people from so many different companies and backgrounds, which is amazing as I can grow my own network and continue to learn new things. I definitely see an apprenticeship as a good way to experience something new and challenging, and it also leads to so many exciting opportunities.