Zain Nazar is studying for a Tech Industry Gold Degree Apprenticeship at Ravensbourne University whilst working at BT, as a Media Futures Professional. In February 2021, Zain won the Runner Up Special Achievement Award at the Tech Industry Gold Awards Celebration. We caught up with Zain and asked him to tell us more about his experience studying for the BSc Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.
Tell us about your typical day.
My current role as a Media Futures Professional sits within BT’s Media & Broadcast department. My typical day entails communicating with suppliers about their products/services, attending project meetings, reviewing customer contracts and billing information, overseeing business propositions as well as taking a lead on junior projects within the ‘Customer Excellence’ area of BT’s Network products.
What was the best experience of your Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship?
The best experience of my Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship is attending corporate events. It’s given me the opportunity to learn more about BT and to network with many other colleagues and senior members of staff. Through networking, I am now taking part in ‘reverse mentoring’ with a managing director.
What was the most challenging experience of your Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship?
The most challenging aspect of my degree apprenticeship has been juggling my operational workload with my university studies. Sometimes, I would receive an influx of work whilst having to complete university assignments so it becomes tricky to manage both. However, BT has allowed apprentices to have a day’s study leave per week which has really helped.
What would you say now, to yourself, before you enrolled on your degree apprenticeship?
I would say have belief in yourself. Be your biggest motivator. Do not allow setbacks to set you back, let them set you up!
What would you say to anyone considering a Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship?
My only advice would be to go for it! The benefits that the Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship brings are incredible. You get to earn whilst you learn, attain a degree, work with other highly talented apprentices and so much more.
What are your career plans?
After I graduate from my Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeship, I would like to secure a full-time role as a Design/Test Engineer or as a Security Specialist within BT Technology. I would like to remain within the tech sector and be a part of how it continues to revolutionise the digital world.
What inspires you?
My religion (Islam) gives me the inspiration to achieve success. Islam has made me feel blessed and has helped me become the successful person I am today. It’s the most integral part of my life which focuses my professionalism and enables me to remain humble and grateful.
Anything else to add?
One saying I always remember is, “What comes easy won’t last, what lasts won’t come easy”. For any aspiring apprentices, I suggest don’t take any shortcuts to achieve your goals. Put the hard work in and enjoy the fruition of your own self-made product.
Find out more about Degree Apprenticeships
Tech Industry Gold Degree Apprenticeship at Ravensbourne University
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