Nothing about my career path was “traditional”; honestly, that made all the difference. From coming to the UK with no GCSEs to working in a global bank, I’d say it worked out well.

It’s okay not to have it all figured out or for your initial plans to fall through. It took me a while to understand what truly worked for me and to explore the options I didn’t even know existed, especially after taking such an unconventional route through education.

What helped was staying open to new experiences and considering that a different path could still lead to excellent outcomes. Over time, the journey started to make more sense, but that doesn’t mean it was easy.

How Did We Get Here

After joining a local college, I was able to go on to do my GCSEs and eventually do both a Business BTEC and Finance diploma. In doing my BTEC and diploma, my interest in the Finance industry grew, and I learnt more about the alternative options through workplace visits and career talks.

However, like most students, I opted to research the “traditional” as it was something I understood better. Fortunately, through having different conversations and better understanding my learning style, I soon realised that “traditional” wasn’t for me as I tend to learn better via practical application. Understanding and seeing what works best for you is a strength, so using it and changing course if needed is essential.

Crossroads: Where To Go from Here

I looked into apprenticeships more deeply and began applying (without direction, I might add). Having not done this before, I did not know how to interview and what made a good CV. Then the rejections came back, which I trust we are all familiar with; although quite demoralising, each feedback report I would get helped me understand what I was doing wrong. Also, asking questions to those who were where I wanted to be put into perspective where I could be better. I became more intentional with my applications, tailoring CVs and prepping for interviews. 

Understanding and showcasing what I would like to bring to programmes helped me to understand where and why I was not seeing progress in my applications. With that being said, the rejections, ghosting and the ugly of apprenticeship searching left me at a crossroads of whether to continue with applications or retreat to the “safety” of what I understood. This journey is where resilience is essential; dare I call it fundamental. The journey to becoming an apprentice can challenge candidates. It pushes you in many ways, so being resilient in uncertainty is key and helps you remain grounded even when faced with hurdles.

Learning To Be Patient

Most journeys, and mine especially, took a while, and it took patience. No matter how long the journey may be, being patient helps. What helped me during the time of these applications was preparing and researching. Preparation is your best friend when applying to programmes and entering your chosen industry. Going through feedback, learning from those in the community already and exploring the companies more deeply helps you get that extra edge in the process, and also better understand what you are applying to. But being patient through it all helped me build that muscle in my character. Trust me, this will be tested when you get the job, so building it in the application stage is a skill that will help you in your career journey.

What I’d Tell My Past Self (And You)

When applying to companies, ensure they are also a good fit for you and what you value. Make sure that where you are applying to is the culture you would like to be a part of. You can find out more information by reading the company pages (e.g. looking into their career pages) and talking to apprentices to understand better.

A growth mindset is key and will allow you to achieve much. Rolling with punches and taking learns from them will help you, as mentioned before, build resilience and patience. You’re on a journey. The more you grow and evolve, the more well-rounded you become as an applicant and, eventually, a colleague. 

Reaching out to the network you build along the way will help you throughout your journey, I can speak volumes about how leaning into my own and making those connections has helped ease my journey and clarified the different processes I faced when applying and to date as an apprentice.

Remember that your journey is your own, but being able to remain to connected to those on a similar journey and learning from those around helps with avoiding pitfalls. So being able to learn from the journeys of others can provide a roadmap on how to navigate challenges, but don’t compare yourself.

Learn to be comfortable with uncertainty and open to change. With career journeys, expecting the unexpected but being ready to roll with it will help you grow and build your flexibility. This skill will help you navigate the industry you choose to enter and set you up well to handle the challenges that come in your chosen line of work.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Remember, you are where you are for a reason, and while you are there, take the time to reflect and use what you have learned to navigate and make the most of it. You have learnt so much so far and haven’t even realised it yet. Hopefully, you will continue to excel and pursue your goals. Wishing you all the best!

Faith Chindanya

Wealth and Personal Banking Degree Apprentice at HSBC

You can find out more and connect with Faith on LinkedIn.