A little about Mariam’s apprenticeship…
Apprenticeship Title
Level 3 Policy Officer
Job title and employer
Policy Assistant at Ofcom
What are 3 skills you’ve learned so far?
1) Ability to manage my time effectively
2) Improved my written and oral communication
3) Problem-Solving and helped me with critical thinking
What are 3 interests outside of work?
1) Skiing
2) Good movie night
3) Always trying to do new things whether it’s a new recipe or a new activity on my bucket list
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What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship as your next step?
I wasn’t the smartest in the room and had no clue what I wanted to do besides that I'm a hard worker and will always try. Oscar Wilde once said "If you want to be anything you will invariably become it; that is your punishment". Embracing uncertainty and trust in the unknown opens more doors. I found comfort in that as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. When Visionpath came to our school promoting their mission for getting people into apprenticeships, I immediately signed up as it had links to the media industry, which I was sort of interested in at the time. I felt the apprenticeship scheme would help me get my foot in the door to the industry, with the experience and the studying included. I have finished my apprenticeship and have to say that I've learnt a lot and feel closer to finding what I might want to do in the future. I am so grateful for Visionpath coming to our sixth form as they are the ones who helped me take the first step.
"If you knew what you wanted to do in life at the age of 18, I wished I was like you."
Can you remember a moment when you felt trusted with real responsibility? What did that involve?
Throughout my apprenticeship I've been given a range of tasks, and I'm so thankful for all those experiences. One of my main moments was when I was working on an insight briefing that the whole of my organisation ended up seeing once completed. It was essentially a 2 paged summary on a certain topic we decide on ourselves, and mine was the 'Public Service Broadcasting’s (PSB) shift to an internet first world.' The process consisted of a range of background research, drafting and getting it reviewed by all the necessary experts and colleagues. With the help of the master classes we had with Visionpath, it helped me ensure I worked on my task effectively and efficiently. The moment I felt I made an actual difference was when a colleague asked me if I could send it over, and then she said it was really helpful in what she was working on.
What stands out as the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship experience?
The most rewarding part is the amount of experience I've gained just in 2 years from small and big tasks I've been assigned. Whether it's taking minutes or helping out on a range of events for the Early Careers Team. Everything I do, I am working towards improving myself and helping others. For me this is something that stands out as I love trying new things as I end up learning new things on the way.
What challenges did you face during your apprenticeship, and how did you grow from them?
One of the challenges I faced was adapting to the work life from a sixth form student. Everything was different, the type of work I was given, the independence, the studying and work-life balance. Visionpath helped me strengthen my organisational skills and issues when it came to procrastination by making us create planners. That allowed me to take more control, especially during busy periods. This helped me stay on track with my work and study life.
What moment made you realise you’d made the right decision choosing an apprenticeship?
Seeing how far I have come helped me reaffirm it was the right decision. I have not only gained a qualification, but gained experience in a professional organisation and met great people throughout my time as an apprentice.
"I will always have that experience that I learnt from Visionpath and my apprenticeship, wherever I go next."
Can you tell us about what life at work has been like since you finished your apprenticeship?
Since finishing my apprenticeship, I am working on bigger projects and still have the opportunity to make a difference and am still experiencing new things. I'm always learning new things every day, and I'm so grateful for the apprenticeship, as It's helped me bring so many things to that I've learnt to my permanent role.
Connect with Mariam!
Here at Visionpath, our Ambassador Community is more than just a network, it’s a movement. Our ambassadors are current and former apprentices who are passionate about making a difference by sharing their real-life journeys to inspire the next generation.
Are you a current or former apprentice who wants to get involved in the movement? Email ambassadors@visionpath.co.uk to get started.
