My name is Bella, and I am a Junior Account Executive at Ilex Content Strategies.
I started as a degree apprentice at Ilex Content Strategies in August 2024, and since then the knowledge and skills I have gained have been invaluable in building my understanding of marketing.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
In my opinion, a degree apprenticeship is the perfect route into digital marketing. The blend of real-world, professional experience with academia offers a well-rounded view of marketing strategies and their importance. Solidifying my learning by putting theoretical models into practice helps me understand why we do things a certain way, from following a specific brand tone to curating a cohesive look and feel.
At the same time, the knowledge I have gained through working in a professional environment on a range of clients, with different needs and goals, has boosted my skills for my degree and given me a wide portfolio of achievements to back up my studies. This ranges from developing my writing and design skills to supporting email, social media and PR campaigns. It has also given me first-hand insight into how business and marketing strategies are built, with the opportunity to interact with clients, discuss new milestones and create behind-the-scenes materials for sales and promotion.
The mix of learning on the job and off the job keeps education exciting as no day looks the same. It’s only been a few months for me so far, and I already feel like my skillset and understanding have bloomed. In turn, this has significantly supported my confidence in taking initiative and developing professional practice skills such as time management, collaboration and adaptability. The combined support from my colleagues at Ilex Content Strategies and my education providers at QA has made the idea of beginning a career and furthering my education much less daunting than it was when I left sixth form unsure of what to do.
What’s your next step?
If you are wondering what your next career steps should be after leaving education, I would urge anyone to explore the apprenticeship route. Gaining a bachelor’s degree whilst working in a professional setting helps to elevate you against competition with years of practical, tangible experience. Additionally, the wide and connected professional network you can build whilst working sets you up for a range of opportunities both during and after your degree, expanding your career and development options. Working within your industry of interest whilst earning your degree helps to solidify your confidence and knowledge significantly, boosting both your academic and professional skills for life.
I feel very lucky that I found my degree-apprenticeship at Ilex Content Strategies. Working in international B2B marketing gives me the chance to see how and why business and marketing strategies matter, and I look forward to developing my understanding more and making my mark as I continue my career.
#NationalApprenticeshipWeek #Marketing #PR #DegreeApprenticeship #NAW2025
