Digital Marketing Apprentice Review

I work within the Merchandising team at Sky. A large part of this role includes the day-to-day planning of content for the Music section of the UI, this includes keeping up to date with any new content, requesting images for each piece of new content in time for scheduling, and finally co-ordinating with the Scheduler once the plan for Music is complete. On a less frequent basis I will also plan for overarching campaigns for the next Quarter/s, and look at key events to focus on, such as for 'International Women's Day' or 'Pride Month', where I will create a rail/s dedicated to a specific topical moment. I will often work with the Collections team on larger scale campaigns so to ensure Music is integrated into any wider, higher priority UI campaigns. Additionally, within my role is to maintain positive relationships with outside providers, for instance holding regular monthly meetings to discuss both parties priorities and ensuring we are all in accord of how best to merchandise their content offering.

As part of my first portfolio project I created a Music Strategy plan for my area of the UI. I believe this helped me to develop a number of skills, one being my presentation delivery skills, indicated by the really wonderful feedback received from my colleagues. Going into the presentation, despite the nerves of talking in front of 50+ colleagues, I felt confident, as I knew the content back-to-front and had prepared for any questions. Thankfully as this first presentation went well it will hopefully seem less daunting next time.

I am very much enjoying my time at Sky, my role is engaging and keeps me on my toes, whilst the company as a whole has been very welcoming. Despite working from home I have always felt very much supported both by my manager and by my team, who have been there to help out whenever I needed it.

There is clear structure to my programme: it began with an induction, where I was able to go and see the Sky base, be introduced to my colleagues, get fully set technically (laptop etc) and go through any mandatory online training. After which I was slowly trained in all the necessary aspects of my role and encouraged to have a 1-1 with each member of my team, to get a better understanding of their role and how each department coalesced. Now that I am a fully competent member of the team I have more free reign to complete my day-to-day tasks, and tend to only ask for assistance from my manager when I need it or to get final sign off of work I have completed. After the year is up (in September), I will then move onto another team where I will spend 6 months, before heading to my last 6 month position and finishing my apprenticeship with Sky.

I have regular weekly 1-1 meeting with my manager, and will often have meetings/calls as well with the Campaigns and Stunts Lead. Both, I am happy to say, offer very useful advice and guidance whenever needed or requested. I feel confident going to either of them for any problem both work related or of a more personal nature.

I think my training provider has given a considerable amount of support, with regular 1-1's and interaction between myself and my apprenticeship coach. I feel that I understand what tasks need to be completed and how best to approach them and if I have any questions I am confident I could simply ask my training provider for assistance and receive it.

For instance, within the 'Campaign Planning' coursework, I spent some time looking at previous campaigns within Sky and how they are planned in-house. This has been really helpful it gave me the chance to better understand how to put together a far more comprehensive plan, which will be really useful when I am able to partake or run bigger campaigns within the UI or elsewhere in Marketing at Sky.

Although, it has been a bit more challenging to get involved in extra-curricular activities over the last year due to Covid, there is still a great number of events and networks that you can take part in. For instance, within my department we have weekly quizzes, as well as larger monthly events/quizzes with prizes to be won, as well as quarterly events such as an escape rooms. Additionally, there are virtual Networking events. I am involved in a networking group for new members of staff called 'Icebreaker', which has been a great way to meet new people despite working from home.

Yes

I think Sky is a genuinely fantastic place to work for a number of reasons: 1) Excellent Company Values - feel proud of where you work 2) Takes great care of their staff (great benefits and healthcare - including private healthcare and mental health support) 3) Lively and engaging work culture - regular events and activities to take part in

I think with the application process with Sky, you cannot necessarily prepare for it, as it uses a strengths based approach, so really you just need to be yourself and hopefully you will be what they are looking for. I would recommend applying regardless, as either way it will be a good experience.