Juggling full-time studying with an apprenticeship

• A student and an apprentice – isn’t that a bit of a juggling act?

I’m a full-time student at the University of Chichester. Alongside my studies I work part time at Rocket Sky Media. It’s great working in the field I’m aiming to adventure into after my studies. Rocket Sky is very good about furthering my training. I’ve even been sent to training with Google for a week where I learnt lots about the World Wide Web!

• What does your apprenticeship entail?

My work includes things like website and logo design and creating quirky social media content. Talent acquisition is such an interesting part of my role. It enables me to interact with celebrities and influencers to create collaborations with businesses in order to promote them by increasing their online exposure. Influencer is a relatively recent title for anyone who has a large online presence – basically lots of followers to engage with – and it is a great way of social media marketing.

• What does your university course cover?

I’m very fortunate that my course covers lots of different aspects of media. I’ve completed modules in photography, the politics of celebrities, documentaries, journalism, film and lots more. Along with the university’s new tech park, which was opened in 2018 by Harry and Meghan, came industry professionals to teach us. We also get to work with lots of professional equipment. Obviously I have been doing a lot of learning online during the pandemic.

• Technology is ever-evolving. How do you keep up?

It’s sometimes frustrating to have to learn the functions of things all over again, but usually once you know new functions the process seems easier than it was before. YouTube is a massive help when learning about new technology. There are videos on anything and everything. Most of my technology knowledge was self-taught with help from YouTube.

• How important are things like social media and good quality websites to businesses these days?

Very important! Your website is your shop window and your business’s curriculum vitae. Social media is also crucial. Social media professionals can tailor your audience on all kinds of things including age, gender, interests, specific geographical location and much more. But traditional advertising still has a very definite place and if you are serious about promoting your business then you should do both. Interestingly, a lot of people have continued to advertise during lockdown. If you are able to, this is absolutely the right thing to do.

• I don’t suppose you get much time for hobbies, but what is down time for you?

I spend all my spare time with my puppy, Honey Bear. My partner and I live in Selsey so we love to go to the beach. I also really enjoy travelling and usually try to visit three countries per year. I once worked in a YMCA in New York and that was an amazing experience. During lockdown I have had to make do with watching travel vlogs on YouTube.

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