A little about Zain’s apprenticeship…
Apprenticeship Title
Level 4 Sales Executive
Job title and employer
Associate Account Manager at Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions
What are 3 skills you’ve learned so far?
Communication, Proactivity, Consistency
What are 3 interests outside of work?
Football, Travelling, Exercising
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What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship as your next step?
I decided to go for an apprenticeship as I wasn't certain about university, and wanted to at least try something else which I could build experience with. I wasn't aware of the amount of different apprenticeships there were including sales roles, and after reading more about them I definitely knew that it was something for me.
What kinds of things do you get up to in your role? Any tasks you especially enjoy?
In my role at the start, my main day to day tasks were about grasping the data and insurance industry along with our products. After training, my role consists of presenting and demo-ing products, reaching out to new businesses, and being present at in-person reviews with clients.
What’s been the standout highlight of your apprenticeship so far?
I think a standout moment had to be when I was able to near perfectly present one of our products. After landing the role, my main challenge was understanding the industry and products due to this being my first corporate job. After weeks doing PowerPoints and practicing to my cohort, I presented to my manager and another member of my team, and they were confident I was ready to present the product externally.
Have you come up against any challenges during your apprenticeship, and how did you navigate them?
One massive challenge was getting into routine with working and making the most out of the working day. I often found myself at the start not having much to do and getting easily distracted. What helped me to overcome this was discussing with Visionpath and my cohort.
What’s helped you feel supported during your apprenticeship?
I think the label of being an apprentice has helped me feel supported the most. This has meant people around me who are more senior don't expect me to know everything and have always offered to spend time explaining things. Also, Visionpath with coaching each month, where I explain my challenges to someone outside the business and get their take on it.
What moment made you realise you’d made the right decision choosing an apprenticeship?
For me, after being settled in maybe 1-3 months in, I realised that being able to study towards a qualification whilst working was the best option for me. I’d often feel education wasn't for me as I was never a high achiever, however working straight away I would feel underqualified. Being an apprentice means I get the best of both worlds.
Connect with Zain!
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.
