Digital Marketing Apprentice Review

I currently working within the WCO Digital Marketing department at Sage. We essentially run split tests on the website in order to increase conversion rates and generate leads and money. I personally shadow my manager focussing on the UK and Ireland regions. On a day to day basis I will often analyse data for our live tests, checking to see any trends, ensuring data is not skewed and looking to see which experience is winning. WCO stands for web conversion optimisation and means that we're undertaking analysis of web pages to identify pain points and areas for improvement. Part of my job is to take part in ideation sessions, bring to light hypotheses for test ideas, creating campaigns withing our dedicated testing tool, liaising with stakeholders and colleagues within our Dev, XD, QA teams, and more. A main part of my job is overseeing the full experimentation workflow. A brief may come in from our stakeholder and I will complete this, track data on Smartsheet, create the campaign, oversee the process into dev, keep track of all tests to ensure fluidity, generate and update stakeholders with preview links, push tests live, and review/analyse test data and update systems with revenue and performance data. Occasionally, I will be required to host meetings, present slides and speak up to the wider team.

I have learnt many new skills whilst on my apprenticeship. Things that stand out for me would be presentation skills; I must host and present within meetings to the wider team and this is something that I have always struggled with. Doing this more often has meant that I have became better at it and feel slightly more comfortable. Additionally, I have learnt technical skills such as using new tools relating to marketing, some of which I had never even heard of before joining Sage. I have done various courses on LinkedIn Learning, Google Digital Garage, etc. I have also now completed my first official exam in Marketing Principles on the apprenticeship side of things. The next will be a coding exam due in the next few weeks.

I enjoy the programme a lot. I feel happy coming to work due to the fact I'm constantly learning new skills, I have a great team around me with management being supportive and easy to talk to. Company culture is highly regarded at Sage. It feels very inclusive, there is no strict dress code when coming into the office, I am able to work flexibly from home and come into the office whenever I choose.

The programme is generally well structured. The induction was a great start to introduce us to the role and give us information on how everything will work. The support has been good throughout the 6 months of my apprenticeship so far, too.

I get a lot of support from management. I have regular 121's with my manager, usually twice per week, and sometimes will get a meeting email from senior management to ensure everything is running smoothly.

I receive enough support from my training provider. We have lessons every 2 weeks to prepare for the exams. I know I can go to my training provider for any question relating to the course or apprenticeship.

Everything I learn through my training provider is directly relatable to digital marketing and more often than not relates to my job directly. Currently the coding knowledge is used when reviewing campaigns, the use of Google Analytics is something I have also been learning about within my course.

Sage has something called Sage Foundation, which is a foundation that allows colleagues to take up to 5 days off work per year to volunteer in any sector of your choice. I have recently taken one day off to help a local woodland in terms of the maintenance of pathways and trimming shrubbery. Occasionally we will take the opportunity, as a team, to visit Nandos on a lunch time.

Yes

In my opinion, it's a great company to work for as they have good values, are inclusive, pay competitively, and allow for flexibility when working.

I'd advise them to be themselves, don't be afraid to ask questions, and do a bit of research on the company before your interview to show that you're proactive and care about the position you are applying for. You've got this.