Megan Tuohy - Level 6 Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship
Megan Tuohy, Level 6 Digital Marketing Degree Apprentice, was recently voted Professional Services Apprentice of the Year at the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023.
In this article, Megan explains why she chose to pursue an apprenticeship, her experience with NTU and her aspirations for the future.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I was always unsure whether to go to university or jump straight into a career. Back when I was 19, I decided I wanted to start my career and progressed onto a level 3 Administrator apprenticeship. It was great to learn and gain an education whilst on the job.
On completion of my level 3 award, I gained more interest in Digital Marketing and knew this was a route I wanted to progress down. From my time at my company (Crawford and Co Surveyors), my director saw my dedication towards marketing and said it would be good opportunity to complete a Digital Marketing degree apprenticeship.
Looking back, it’s quite funny that I’ve jumped start my career and also ended up going to university, not something which I thought would be possible. I have my employer to thank, for giving me the opportunity and opening my mind to new aspects.
What has your experience studying at NTU been like?
NTU is like a family, everyone speaks highly of the university and the support is unmatched to previous educational institutions I’ve attended.
The NOW online system is great, with an easy layout and access to the online library which has helped massively with my assignments and research.
Although I’m not a full-time student, there’s still plenty to be involved with on and off campus with groups available to all. It stands out that NTU is a friendly community and open to all.
One thing that stands out about the university is the building and the facilities nearby, NTU have incredible arty buildings with a modern edge.
NBS and NTU are close to home, with them being in the city centre getting to the university is highly accessible.
Looking through the website and people’s past experiences, it was clear that NTU would be a good fit for myself and what I wanted to study.
How do you believe this apprenticeship will affect both your current job role and future career?
This apprenticeship has already affected my current role, as I’ve been promoted from a Marketing Assistant to Marketing Manager.
The Digital Marketing apprenticeship has helped shift my focus onto certain areas of marketing I enjoy, as it’s quite a broad area. Completing certain modules and assignments have shown different sectors I find interesting / useful to my company.
NTU is like a family - the support is unmatched to previous educational institutions I’ve attended.
The NOW online system is great, with an easy layout and access to the online library which has helped massively with my assignments and research.
How would you rate the teaching and support staff on this apprenticeship?
Overall, the teaching and support has been amazing. All go above and beyond to ensure they’re making learning as engaging as possible and always there for any questions you have.
The effort and consideration that goes into the learning slides that are put onto NOW is truly incredible and something I have found really helpful throughout my apprenticeship. The layout is easy to use and helps when it comes to re-visiting modules. Each module has its own section per week, which has made it really easy for me to plan and keep up to date with what week I should be on, so I don’t fall behind.
How have you balanced studying alongside your professional role?
At first, I will admit it was challenging, from going to fulltime work to also having to study. However, what comes with change, also comes flexibility.
I’ve found that studying has helped with my professional role and made me more confident with marketing, from what I’ve learnt during my apprenticeship.
My employer has truly been incredible, they’ve given me time off to ensure I meet deadlines, study and attend onsite days. Without a good employer, it’s easy for people to become stressed and find it hard to balance between the two. I’m really lucky to have such a supporting employer, who has helped me the whole way.
I’ve found a good balance between professional and academic sides and have even integrated them both.
What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?
Being able to say I’ve done it! It might seem daunting at the begin but I’m in my final year now and can see the end in sight.
The learning and confidence I’ve achieved throughout the apprenticeship will affect me positively for the rest of my career and I hope to be a role model to the rest of my employees. as I’ve managed to juggle University and working full time.
What skills and experience have you gained as part of this apprenticeship? Has there been anything that you were not expecting?
Overall, everything I’ve learnt from this apprenticeship has been brand new and fresh. Having not had much experience in marketing, it’s great to of gained lifelong skills.
I’ve gained the importance of the customer journey, strategy, optimisation and how this can affect a company, with a mixture of planning campaigns.
My end point assessment requires me to start a project in my workplace and integrate my learning into it. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy statistics, data, and optimisation but this is something I’m focusing my end point assessment on.
The apprenticeship has been an eye-opening experience and even surprised myself of what I’m capable of and what I enjoy.
What advice would you give to someone considering a higher/degree apprenticeship?
I would strongly recommend a higher / degree apprenticeship, especially if you’re like myself that was torn between university and a career. This apprenticeship has given me the ability to progress and become a manager.
My advice is to ensure you have the time and capabilities to do the apprenticeship, it’s time consuming and requires a lot of planning / forward thinking. Your employer will play an important role, so you need to ensure you’re all on the same page, along with having their support and guidance. At times you’re going to be stressed because of the deadlines, but at the end of the day you must look at the bigger picture. You’re getting a degree whilst working and that’s a huge achievement and something you will be proud of forever.
Finally, if you could describe your apprenticeship in 5 words, what would they be?
Eye-opening, rewarding, life changing and accomplished
To learn more about our apprenticeship courses, please contact apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.