Hey, I’m Ayana, and I’m currently a data analyst apprentice working in regulation. Sometimes, I still can’t quite believe I’m saying that to this day. My journey has felt a bit chaotic but I hope that this gives you faith that everything will work out in the end, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

My background 

I came from a STEM-based background, studying a deadly combination of Maths, Chemistry and Economics for A-levels. As torturous as they were, these subjects strengthened my analytical thinking and helped push me towards a career in technology and data.

Why tech and data specifically?

This will need a slight rewind to GCSEs. I picked Computer Science as one of my subjects and became one of my favourites to learn. I liked its practicality and how smart I felt when my code worked. Even if it was me typing print(“Hello World”).

Unfortunately, my sixth form didn’t offer Computer Science as an A-level but even if they did, I highly doubt my grade 4 would give them a sufficient reason to accept me on the course. 

Yes, a grade 4 and I was thinking of doing a tech career...

For a while, I questioned whether pursuing this field would be realistic. But with encouragement from people around me, I didn’t let one GCSE stop me from pursuing what I liked. So, whilst in sixth form I was developing my skills in coding on the side using free courses I found online.

After that hiccup, I researched careers in tech that played to my strengths. Data analytics stood out for its mix of coding, statistics and business logic. Plus, my maths teacher said jobs in this field can be quite lucrative, so BINGO!

Why an apprenticeship?

The main avenue to get into any field was doing a degree at university. I was fairly content with this route, but once I properly knew what apprenticeships were, this seemed like a viable route for me.

Personally, I like learning via trial and error. My subject combination was academically rigorous, but I hated the pressure from exams. It made it feel like failure was a punishment rather than a part of learning. Apprenticeships seemed more suitable as learning through failure is more accepted as part of the process.

As a means to keep my options open, I applied for both university courses and data apprenticeships.

Application season 

When applying to apprenticeships I had no method, no strategy, just hoping that I’d get somewhere. 

To absolutely zero surprise to anyone, I was getting nowhere with applications. I was failing online assessments and video interviews all the time.

By February of year 13, I was on the verge of giving up. I had no apprenticeship offers, no assessment centres. I was tired of the “Unfortunately, we’ve decided to not move forward with your application” clogging my inbox. My exams were in a couple months and I couldn’t afford to waste any more time on something that didn’t seem to be going anywhere.

One last attempt 

Amidst the feelings of failure, I decided to try one last time. Whilst sitting in my form class; I saw that my current company had opened for applications. I thought most applications were closed by then. I was glad that I was wrong.

I thought to myself:

“Is it worth trying one more time?… Screw it, why not?”

I felt compelled to apply; the role did seem really cool (it has lived up to that still) and I didn’t want the regret to weigh on me.

However, I gave myself an ultimatum. If this application was a flop, I would drop the idea of apprenticeships and go to university. 

It’s extreme, but as someone surrounded by people who have very high expectations of me (mainly from my Asian, immigrant family) I felt I needed certainty for my path after sixth form.

I locked in this time, I watched YouTubers like “The Apprenticeship Insider” and spoke to aspiring and current apprentices for advice on applications. Things I didn’t really do previously, as I thought I could hack it on my own. It became quite evident that wasn’t the case.

My first and only assessment centre

Lo and behold I did end up getting into the assessment centre. 

I was nervous and doubted I would even pass considering I’ve never done one before. But it was all or nothing. I prepared my STAR interview technique, revised my own CV, binge watched assessment centre help videos. I was doing all this whilst preparing for my exams in a few days.

No pressure at all right? 

I did the assessment centre in the half term between A-levels and I honestly thought I didn’t do enough. It was virtual but somehow through my iPad screen I felt an overwhelming sense of imposter syndrome. I saw how many people I was up against for very few roles.

I had to remind myself that I tried my absolute best and to say a prayer hoping it was all enough.

Receiving the offer

Exactly a week later, I was in my dad’s car coming back from a maths exam and I was scrolling through my emails until one caught my eye…

“We are delighted to offer you a place on our Data Analyst Apprenticeship programme, huge congratulations!”

I did it.

It felt like a miracle. (Alhamdulillah, All praise to God)

That wasn’t necessarily the end though…

The Kitchen conversation 

My parents didn’t actually know I was applying for apprenticeships. It went against all cultural expectations and patterns. Everyone in my family—including my parents—went to university and they expected me to do the same.

When I broke the news in our kitchen the same day, you could assume they were taken aback and quite hesitant about me going down a non-traditional path. However, after some time of me convincing them and their own research, they eventually supported my decision.

Fast forward to now, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship. I’ve been able to experience things I never thought I would at my age. Especially being from a disadvantaged background, the opportunities and growth available when in one is insane. 

To anyone reading who is currently facing a lot of rejections with applications:

The feeling isn’t great, but everyone has faced rejection before. Eventually, all those rejections won’t matter once you get accepted into a position that can change the trajectory of your career.

Before you give up and lose hope after your 15th rejection email or so, remember it only takes one ‘yes’ to get you through the door.

As a thank you for reading here’s some advice that helped me in applications:

1. When researching companies, try and find examples of projects or strategies that the company has that genuinely interest you. Whether that’s initiatives that help small businesses or sustainability objectives, having these will help with interviews.
2. Have a list of your transferable skills and experiences/ examples you have to back them up. For example: a part time job can help with your communication skills. It can even be experiences you had studying at school; it’s just the way you word it that matters.
3. Always keep the company’s values in mind throughout the application, and think “How can I display these effectively?” Regardless of the stage.

Thanks again, and hopefully you too will receive your “yes”.

Ayana Chowdhury

Data analyst apprentice @ FCA

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