I used to hate the question ‘What are you going to do when you leave school?’. At just seventeen years old, I was juggling my A-levels alongside making what felt like the biggest life decision I had had to make yet. Do I go away and spend three years studying at university or do I throw myself straight into the working world?

Feeling confused about my next steps had been a common theme throughout my secondary school journey. When it came to choosing what to do after my GCSEs, I decided to continue with sixth form, as I believed it would provide me with more time to figure out what career path to pursue.

However, by the end of year twelve, when conversations around future plans became more serious, it was clear that I was still no closer to deciding what I wanted to do after leaving school. As a result, I chose to follow the traditional route of writing a personal statement and preparing university applications.  

But a few months later, my friends had begun the process of travelling to view different universities and I still did not feel the passion for this study pathway. Therefore, I decided to invest more time into my part-time job at the time, a waitress at a local pub. Whilst doing so, I discovered that I loved speaking with customers and making their experience the best it could be. Therefore, I decided that there must be a different route to consider when leaving school. I started to research different career options and that’s when I came across Degree apprenticeships.

After deciding that the degree apprenticeship route was the route for me, I applied for a range of customer-facing apprenticeships. Then came preparing for countless video interviews, online tests and assessment centres, and if I am being completely honest, I don’t think I was prepared for how competitive and lengthy this process was going to be. After countless rejections, I discovered First Intuition. At this time, they were advertising for a Business-to-Business Sales degree apprenticeship, and I was delighted when I received the call for an interview. This was the first in-person interview that I had been invited too, and the ability to have a real, meaningful conversation with someone allowed me to truly understand the role and how I could contribute to the team. 

I have now been at First Intuition for 18 months, and I have recently taken on the role of Business Development Executive. I am currently on a 3-year learning journey completing a degree in Business-to-Business Sales with Consalia and Middlesex University. I could not recommend this career pathway more – it allows me to experience the day-to-day realities of full-time work, alongside attending university with my cohort to enhance my sales knowledge. 

Over the last year and a half, I have made a positive impact on the business, though securing a variety of new sign-ups, ranging from small local firms to employers hiring three or more apprentices. I have also had the privilege of supporting a school leaver who attended our accountancy summer school and later secured a level 2 apprenticeship after I passed their CV on to an employer.

I now manage a diverse range of clients across various industry sectors and have the privilege of advising employers directly on the value apprentices can bring to their businesses.

At First Intuition, I have had the most amazing opportunities, from planning and running an International Women’s Day event, to exhibiting at Accountex 2025 and now managing all of our school engagement activities. I also attend regular networking events meeting with various inspiring people, who have helped to build my confidence and communication skills. 

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is being able to give back. We regularly attend school career fairs and mock interview days, to support students as they explore their next career steps. Having been in their position not long ago, I understand how complex and overwhelming the working world can seem. That’s why being able to share my experience and offer guidance feels incredibly rewarding. 

I am now approaching the end of the second year of my university course, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities I have been given. Throughout this journey, I have developed both personally and professionally. Looking back, I never would have imagined that after feeling so unsure about my future, I would end up working in a role and studying a qualification I genuinely enjoy.

If there is one thing I would say to anyone still figuring out their next steps, it is don’t give up. No career path is perfect, and not everyone has it all figured out straight away, keep applying, keep pushing yourself and trust that the right opportunity will come along. 

Emily Snell

Business Development Executive

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