When I look back on my career journey, I often think about how different it might have been if I had chosen the traditional university route. Instead, I opted for an apprenticeship—and eight years later, I’ve climbed the career ladder to Deputy Director of Digital at PLMR. Reflecting on this experience, I firmly believe that on-the-job training has been far more valuable to my growth than any university degree could have been.
The Power of Hands-On Learning
Unlike university, where theory often outweighs practical skills, my apprenticeship allowed me to dive straight into the working world. From day one, I was learning real-world skills, tackling tasks, and gaining valuable insights into how digital marketing works in practice. This hands-on experience provided me with the foundation to build a career, and I quickly learned what it means to be adaptable and problem-solve on the job – skills that are much harder to master in a classroom.
Building Skills through Real Responsibility
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training aren’t about shadowing someone for a few weeks. They offer you a chance to take on responsibility from the start. When I joined PLMR, I was given projects and tasks that required me to think critically and act quickly. Whether it was working on digital campaigns, assisting with client communications, or analysing data, I was pushed to apply what I was learning immediately. This approach was a stark contrast to the passive nature of university lectures, where learning is often confined to the classroom and textbooks.
Gaining Experience in a Fast-Paced Industry
The digital marketing industry evolves quickly, and on-the-job training is the best way to keep up. By working in a digital agency environment, I was constantly exposed to new tools, platforms, trends. From digital advertising strategies, audience analytic tools, and SEO updates, I was involved in the decision-making process and watched how innovations shaped real-world results through client projects. University might have taught me about the theoretical aspects of digital marketing, but it didn’t offer the same immersive experience that working within an agency did.
The Value of Mentorship and Networking
One of the greatest benefits of on-the-job training is the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals. Throughout my apprenticeship and subsequent roles, I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from mentors who have helped me refine my skills, navigate the challenges of the industry, and grow as a leader. These experiences are invaluable, and they’ve shaped my ability to mentor others as I moved up in my career. Networking also became part of the job, and I formed relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues that have expanded my professional horizons far beyond what any university network could provide.
Accelerated Career Progression
On-the-job training allowed me to fast-track my career progression. Instead of following a traditional, slower path, I was able to gain valuable experience and responsibility right from the start. This hands-on approach enabled me to quickly develop the skills and expertise required for each new role, propelling me forward in my career at a much faster pace. This also helped me build a strong professional reputation within the industry and to clients.
Adaptability in a Changing Landscape
The world of work has changed dramatically in the past decade, and in many industries, on-the-job experience now outweighs academic qualifications. The digital and creative landscape is one of the most rapidly evolving sectors, with new technologies, tools, and strategies emerging all the time. University curriculums can often be slow to adapt to these changes e.g. AI technologies, whereas in the workplace, I was able to stay ahead of the curve by learning through experience and trial-and-error. This adaptability has been crucial in my career progression.
Conclusion: Apprenticeship as a Proven Path to Success
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. Starting as an apprentice and working my way up through the ranks at PLMR has equipped me with everything I need to thrive in the digital marketing world. On-the-job training gave me the practical skills, industry insights, and connections that I wouldn’t have gained in a lecture hall. While university is a great option for some, for me, practical experience was the clear winner. If you’re looking to forge a successful career, I highly recommend considering on-the-job training. It might just be the best decision you make.
