Eloise
Watts

Eloise is currently completing the Digital Marketer (Integrated) Degree Apprenticeship.

Tell me a bit about yourself

After completing my A Levels and knowing I wanted to pursue Digital Marketing, I started looking for apprenticeships. I joined Command Shift, as their Digital Marketing Executive Apprentice, and have been absolutely loving it! I'm in my second year of university, working towards my Digital Marketing degree, and can't recommend the course more.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship at NTU?

I wanted to carry on learning but also gain experience, so I looked into apprenticeships. The apprenticeship at NTU ticked every box - I'd gain experience and start work; but also continue learning and gain a degree. It was everything I was looking for, had a fantastic reputation, and all the communication before joining made me feel really welcome.

What has stood out about Nottingham Business School (NBS)?

The support available. The staff on the course want you to succeed and are there to answer any question you have. They are all super friendly and approachable, and have made me feel so comfortable.

What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?

I love being able to see the theories work in the real life, and being able to apply my learning to the company. It really helps to consolidate the knowledge and apply them to challenges, so you can see how effective the theories are, and how you can adapt them.

I also love the recall days! As someone who works from home, I always look forward to a recall day. It's so much fun to come together as a cohort, find out what everyone's been up to, bounce ideas off one another, and learn together. We've formed a really close bond as a cohort, and it's amazing to have people that you could reach out to who are in a similar boat.

How would you rate the course facilities, teaching and support staff on the apprenticeship? And why?

Without a doubt, 10/10. The facilities are fantastic, the buildings are beautiful and everything you need is ready and provided for you. The teaching is amazing, as are the support staff. It's fascinating learning from teachers with experience in the industries, and hearing about their experiences and opinions. Both the teachers and support staff are so approachable and friendly - they are always there for you, and make you feel comfortable to reach out if you ever had a problem.

What skills and experience have you gained as part of this apprenticeship? Has there been anything you weren't expecting?

Coming straight from A Levels, I have gained many new skills and so much knowledge from this apprenticeship! From traditional marketing theories and strategies, to how organisations work and relationships are built, the learning has been invaluable and fascinating.

I love the focus NBS puts on personal and professional development. During these modules I've learnt so much about myself, which has bettered me not only as a person but also as an employee and student. For example, learning how my brain works, what drives me, and how I learn best, have been crucial to my success on the course and in my work.

Can you tell us a bit about the work experience you gained whilst completing your apprenticeship?

As an apprentice, every day is new work experience! I've worked on creating campaigns, writing blog posts, our social media, and so much more. It's so much fun and I'm learning more and more every day.

What advice would you give to someone considering a degree apprenticeship?

Get a calendar. And talk to people.

When you've got upcoming assignment deadlines, work for other modules, projects or events going on at work, it can all get a bit much. Get a calendar, and write down all of your deadlines. Then you can see what's coming up when, and if there's a time when you're going to be super busy or might need support.

Then be vocal and speak to those around you - loved ones, employers, tutors, anyone who you might need support from. They'll be able to support you with prioritising tasks, fitting things around your schedule, and will remove a lot of stress from the situation.

What's next for you?

After I've completed my apprenticeship, I would like to continue applying my learning, and developing my digital marketing skills!