We asked winners and highly commended of our National Tech Industry Gold Digital Degree Apprenticeship Awards 2022 to share their stories. Read Caroline’s story below and discover her passions about her journey, as well as tips for future degree apprentices.
Current role: Automation Consultant
Company: IBM
Degree Apprenticeship: Digital & Technology Solutions (IT Consultancy)
Awards Category: Business Contribution
What made you choose a degree apprenticeship?
I have always found learning to be more beneficial when completing practical work and so thought a degree apprenticeship would be the perfect fit for me.
What benefits have you seen as a result of choosing a degree apprenticeship?
I haven’t always been the most confident person and I feel the degree apprenticeship has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I have felt my confidence grow throughout my 4 years.
What did winning the award mean to you?
Winning the award just showed me the work I am doing is really important and is making a difference to the policing community.
How has winning the award helped in the workplace?
It’s helped my eminence and also confidence to talk about my work to others and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
What recommendations would you give to those considering a career in tech/IT/digital?
I’d recommend applying to lots of different programmes with different companies because you need to find the right fit for you, and this often comes out during the interview stage.
I’d also say if you’re not sure on what you want to do, do not let this hold you back. There are so many different opportunities and avenues you can go down within the digital/tech space so there will definitely be the right role for you somewhere.
What guidance would you give to those thinking about a degree apprenticeship?
I would 100% recommend doing a degree apprenticeship, I’m so glad I chose this route and feel I would have regretted doing the traditional university route.
Any other insights
Do not worry if you don’t feel ‘technical’ enough or think you are lacking certain technical skills because you will learn these along the way and pick these up much faster in a practical setting.
