Careers Week blog | Q&A with SFE Digital Marketing Apprentice, Harry Meighan
For day four of Careers Week we spoke with our Digital Marketing Apprentice Harry Meighan about his apprenticeship experience so far, and what he has learned about the world of work and himself
Do you think your course choices in school impacted your decision to become a digital marketing apprentice?
Whilst at school, I had never taken any business-related subjects until 6th year when I was essentially forced to take national 5 business. I wasn’t particularly pleased about this, but I was left with no real choice. Well, it’s fair to say I was wrong, as I ended up loving business and regretted not trying earlier on in my school journey.
Due to how much I enjoyed the class, I decided that an apprenticeship in a similar field may be a good idea, so I would definitely say that my course choices in school somewhat impacted my decision to go into digital marketing.
What do you enjoy most about your role and why?
So far, the huge variety of events we’ve had on offer has been a really enjoyable aspect of the role. Getting the chance to network with our Young Professionals Network and some of the industry leaders has been fun, slightly nerve-wracking and a great experience for a young person like myself.
Describe something that surprised you about your apprenticeship?
I was extremely surprised at how easy it was to settle into the working environment when I joined. Given it was my first full-time job, I felt a great deal of nerves when I started at SFE, but the team quickly made me feel very welcome and helped me get accustomed to working life in a short space of time. So I would definitely say that whilst it’s only natural to be nervous when starting a new job, don’t overthink it to much as people are generally nice and want to help you succeed.
Describe something you learned about yourself doing your apprenticeship?
I’ve learned that I need to just grasp an opportunity when it’s handed to me and run with it. Before I started at SFE I would always see an opportunity and be hesitant because I would always assume or expect the worst to happen but over the last few months I’ve learned that if I’m offered an opportunity it’s for a reason which is typically that I can do it and it’s going to benefit me in the long run. So to sum it up I’ve essentially learned that I need to have more belief in myself as I’m probably better at some things than I give myself credit for.
How have you found balancing working and learning?
If I’m being honest it has been challenging at times. Especially over the last few months as I get a bit more experienced in the role, my workload at SFE is starting to get a bit heavier which has left me less time to fit in my college work. My time management skills have improved since starting however and I feel as though I’m getting better at blocking out time to allow myself to get my head down and do the required work towards my college course.
What are your career aspirations and where would you like to take your career over the next 10 years?
To be honest, I’m still unsure about what my career aspirations are. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my time at SFE and my role as digital marketing apprentice so hopefully a career in marketing may be in the pipeline heading forward. Ultimately though, I just want to be doing something that I enjoy and feel excited about when I wake up in the morning.
What is your advice for young people leaving school, who are unsure on their career pathway?
My advice to school leavers would be to explore all avenues that you have access to and don’t just shut off career pathways because you have it engrained in your mind that you want to do a specific thing. There is a huge variety of pathways into the world of work so don’t necessarily just jump at the first one you find.