Apprentice Administrator & Events Assistant Review

I compile events and opportunities newsletters for students and staff members of the Faculty of Music, edit the website, assist undergraduate admissions processes and help out with reception duties. I also assist the Finance Officer and process invoices and expenses claims for conference attendees, contractors and graduate students. Furthermore, I lead on a couple of projects, such as the Alumni Magazine.

I learned how to be more organised and structured and work to tight deadlines. Through all my training on- and off-the-job, I was able to acquire key skills in the administrative sector of a large educational institution. I learned how to manage projects, set goals and priorities and become more professional in my interpersonal relationships.

I really enjoy my programme. it is stressful at times and as I am the very first apprentice in the Faculty, it took both me and my employer a bit of time to figure out a workload that is manageable alongside my coursework for the college. Apart from that, I very much enjoy the experience this role has given me.

After the first year, and me now being in my second year, my programme structure chimes well with my remaining workload in the office. It is a well-structured course and I appreciate the opportunities to take English, Maths and IT classes to make up for a lack of evidence from previous degrees.

I now receive much more support than in my first year, as my work place never had an apprentice before and it took a bit of time for both me and them to realise that I am not working a full-time role, but am in my role to learn and train, this has changed to the better now though.

I have received sufficient support from my training provider and was supported throughout my studies from the exams I undertook for Maths, English and ICT. Despite my background and English not being my first language, I was able to study for the qualifications without problems. The training coordinator has been of particular help in making sure I receive the right support throughout the course.

My training helps me in many ways on a day-to-day basis. I now feel equipped to work in another administrative role or even in a different sector outside of higher education, as I acquired a wide range of transferable skills. I am grateful to be given to opportunity to train and work simultaneously and can already see major improvements in my work performance.

Apart from occasional social events at work, such as staff days out or staff lunches, I don't engage in hobbies related to work. Instead, I practice Ballet twice a week in a local Ballet School in Oxford, I do Yoga and long-distance running. Otherwise, I enjoy reading and listening to music.

Yes

There are great staff benefits, such as bicycle repair services, and I appreciate the safety and security the university provides, in particular because of a medical condition of mine. I appreciate that the university has been supportive in this particular matter and support local, specific therapy options available to me.

Consider why it is that you want to work for a large organisation such as the University of Oxford, and not a smaller business. It was great for me to be part of one of the largest providers of education in the county, with its over 30 colleges and various Faculties. It has also been great to be able to see how things run inside an institution like that, and be able to encourage progress and innovation in a rather "traditional" place like this.