My professional journey has been anything but linear. Marked by significant milestones as well as unexpected setbacks, my path has taught me that challenges can become the catalysts for growth. I will share my experiences, from an intensive apprenticeship at JP Morgan to a transformative degree apprenticeship in Data Science, demonstrating how apprenticeships can open doors, build essential skills, and ultimately pave the way to success.
Early Beginnings: The Bold Start at JP Morgan
Straight out of college at 19, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to join JP Morgan, a leader in the finance industry, as a finance apprentice. Whilst one might expect an apprenticeship to be just an entry-level position, for me, it was a full immersion into the high-stakes world of finance. Unlike many traditional roles, my apprenticeship thrust me into critical responsibilities: I became the primary contact for our team’s largest client and took charge of training new starters. These early experiences offered a front-row seat to the operational and interpersonal dynamics of a major financial institution.
Working closely with seasoned professionals, I learned the nuances of managing demanding workloads, effective client communication, and the importance of teamwork. The lessons I absorbed during this time were invaluable, providing me with practical insights that no classroom could offer. Yet, even in this promising start, challenges loomed on the horizon.
Facing Adversity: Setbacks That Fuelled Resilience
Despite the many benefits of my first apprenticeship, the journey was not without its hurdles. A significant setback occurred when I failed to complete my Level 3 IOC qualification within the prescribed timeframe for the apprenticeship. The reasons were multifaceted: my role within the team was substantial, and issues with my training provider compounded the challenge. This delay wasn’t just a minor hiccup, it slowed down my career progression at JP Morgan and tested my resolve.
However, this setback taught me a vital lesson about resilience. I refused to let the incomplete qualification define my professional trajectory. Instead, I used the experience as a foundation to adapt and grow. I recognised that every challenge offers an opportunity to learn and improve, a mindset that would become the cornerstone of my career. This period of adversity strengthened my resolve and prepared me for the transformative changes ahead.
Embracing Change: Discovering New Passions
It was during this time that I encountered an unexpected insight: an interest to coding. Previously, I had avoided learning to code, believing it to be too difficult and not within my realm of expertise. However, driven by necessity and a desire to enhance my skill set, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I discovered that coding was not only manageable but also deeply engaging.
This newfound passion would shape my career even further. Learning the fundamentals of code, despite my original aversion, equipped me with technical skills that not only helped me secure my current role as a Data Architect but also ignited the spark that led me to explore further educational opportunities. The experience underscored a crucial point: stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and rewarding discoveries. It reinforced my belief that no matter how daunting a new skill might seem, the willingness to try can transform obstacles into opportunities.
A Return to Form: My Second Apprenticeship
Eight years after my initial apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to rectify my missed qualification by embarking on a degree apprenticeship in Data Science with BPP University. By this point, I was already working full-time as a Senior Data Analyst, and this apprenticeship served as the ideal next step, connecting my practical experience in finance, my self-taught technical skills, and my evolving career in the data industry.
Balancing a full-time job with academic studies was no small feat, yet it is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly. The structured learning environment of the degree apprenticeship complements the work I undertake in my relatively new role of Data Architect, deepening my technical knowledge and broadening my perspective on data-driven decision-making. This integration of theory and practice proved to be immensely beneficial, equipping me with a robust set of skills that enhanced my career prospects.
A Gateway for Future Careers
For those still in education, the desire to move on from learning may be strong, but continuous learning is the key to career growth and new opportunities. Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of experience and real-world application, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. They allow you to develop essential skills and industry knowledge ahead of your peers, all whilst earning a salary. And if you pursue a degree apprenticeship, as I did, you can gain a university qualification without the burden of hefty student loans.
Choosing an apprenticeship means embracing a hands-on approach to learning and career development. It’s an opportunity to discover your strengths, test new ideas, and pursue your passion without waiting for the perfect moment. If you’re still in education and weighing your options, know that apprenticeships offer a viable and rewarding alternative to traditional academic routes. They open doors to industries and career paths you might never have considered, providing a solid foundation for long-term success.
The Broader Impact: From Personal Growth to Community Contribution
The lessons learned from my apprenticeship experiences extend far beyond my personal career development. The resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement that I cultivated have inspired me to give back to the community. Today, I actively contribute to the British Computer Society (BCS), serving on both their Community Board and the Early Careers Executive Committee. In these roles, I advocate for change within the UK technology industry and mentor early-career professionals, encouraging them to embrace non-traditional pathways to success.
In retrospect, my dual apprenticeship journey has been a powerful demonstration of how resilience can transform challenges into opportunities. Starting at JP Morgan, I gained hands-on experience and essential professional skills that set the stage for my career. Although setbacks, such as the incomplete Level 3 IOC qualification, temporarily slowed my progress, they also reinforced the importance of adaptability and perseverance. The road to success may not always be smooth, but every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately, succeed.
An apprenticeship can serve not just as a stepping stone, but as a launchpad for a successful, fulfilling career. Every setback you encounter is a chance to build the resilience that will define your professional future. Your career journey is only just beginning, and an apprenticeship might be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities.
Landing Your First Job: The Power of Confidence
Securing your first job can feel daunting, but confidence can be the key to standing out. I still remember the moment I knew I had passed the assessment centre for my first apprenticeship; whilst some candidates demanded to be heard, and others faded into the background, I took a different approach. Instead of competing for attention, I contributed my points whilst also asking those with quieter voices their thoughts. I knew this would lead to success, and I knew to look out for it thanks to my prior research on how to conduct yourself in group interviews.
Therefore, my advice? Research interview techniques, practice common questions, and refine your CV using online resources, ensuring it’s visually appealing (and possibly optimised for AI screening tools!). But most importantly, carry yourself with confidence. Every setback is just a step toward a new opportunity, and with the right preparation and mindset, you’ll find the role that’s meant for you.
Jordan Trigg , MBCS CandORS
Data & Business Architect | BCS Board Member | Early Careers Advocate | Charity Trustee | Data Science Degree Apprentice | UEL Student Mentor
You can find out more and connect with Jordan on LinkedIn.