“Seize every opportunity”: Degree apprentice lands new job after graduating
Aisha Taylor-Samson studied BA (Hons) Management during her Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship working in the Department of Creative Industries at the University of Chichester. She graduated in January 2025 and joined West Sussex County Council as Business Improvement Officer.
Why did you choose a degree apprenticeship?
After finishing my A-Levels, I knew I wanted to study for a business degree but wasn’t sure I wanted the whole ‘uni life’ or the debt that came with it. I heard about degree apprenticeships and applied for a number of them, but none of them worked out. Instead, I found myself in full time work for a couple of years, but I kept my eye out for the right apprenticeship. That’s when I saw one come up at the University of Chichester, and it seemed like waiting had paid off!
Tell us about your role during your apprenticeship.
I worked as Department Administrator in the Creative Industries Department at the University. I was able to develop my existing skills, as well as pick up a huge number of new ones along the way. I even learnt the basics of using a professional camera, recording sound and editing content.
The part I loved most about my role though, was the people. Whether that was supporting students, problem solving with colleagues or building relationships with companies within industry.
What was the studying element of your degree apprenticeship like?
The lecturers at the University are incredible, and the content of the degree provided insight into all areas of business, which meant I could start understanding what parts I found most interesting.
Working full time and studying too is challenging, but I found it invaluable to be able to apply theory learnt in the classroom to scenarios in my working environment.
Learning with other apprentices based in different sectors meant we were able to consider both similar and contrasting perspectives, allowing us to fully explore concepts and ideas in depth. While we were encouraged to voice our opinions and experiences, we were challenged too; I found this drastically developed my reflective thinking and open-mindedness.
Tell us about your role now you’ve graduated.
I’m working at West Sussex County Council as a Business Improvement Officer. My role is new to the team, so I’m looking forward to understanding how I can best support them and in a way, make the role my own.
The knowledge I gained from studying project management during my degree has made the transition to this role much easier, but it was my experience and skills honed from my role as Department Administrator which helped me secure it.
What are the advantages of a degree apprenticeship, and what’s your advice to prospective apprentices?
The idea of uni life made me think university wasn’t for me. The degree apprenticeship I completed opened a door I might not have gone through otherwise. I wouldn’t have been able to apply for my current role if I didn’t have a degree, and I wouldn’t have secured it without the skills I learnt on the job. Not to mention, having no debt at the end of it is a huge plus!
My advice to any perspective apprentices would be to just go for it. Push yourself and seize every opportunity thrown your way. I loved the degree apprenticeship route. If I had the option to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing, and I would recommend it to anyone.
Also LinkedIn is where I found my new job and the degree apprenticeship, so if you’re looking for one, get on LinkedIn!
