Digital Marketing Apprentice Review

My role has changed slightly since starting at Sage as I am now focussed on Conversion Intent. This is basically the name for keeping website visitors on the site for longer, by implementing pop up panels when the user goes to leave the site. It is my job to test new panel ideas, monitor their progress and then implement whichever versions have the best results.

I have learned so many new skills since starting the apprenticeship. Before it, I had very little knowledge of digital marketing, but now I know much more as well as the more specific/niche things I have learned through my actual job role. My biggest learning curve has been understanding and using coding within my role and I really enjoy it.

I have loved all the course material and the topics covered. I feel like there could have been a better level of teaching offered, but the actual course itself was very interesting. There was never a time when I did not feel that I could not ask a question or could not ask for clarity on something, which was helpful.

The organisation of the course lessons was great, these were held on a bi-weekly basis. There was a bit less clarity on portfolio deadlines and meetings towards the end of the programme though, but this may have been due to a tutor change that we had. Overall it was fine though.

I received a lot of support from my employer, Sage. Towards the end of the apprenticeship, I changed managers, but both were so supportive of my course, and allowed me time to complete any college work. They were also keen to hear how I was getting on throughout the course and how they could help me.

I feel that the levels of support started off better than they ended, again probably due to a change in tutor. Our first tutor was very supportive and very quick to respond to emails as well as sending out any course info we needed. However, she went on maternity leave and her replacement was less organised and took much longer to reply to us, if she replied at all.

I think it is always beneficial to have a qualification to support what you do. Training and experience are amazing, but it is also reassuring to have that qualification on your CV. Whilst my actual job role is quite different to what we studied on the course, I still think it is all useful info to have within a digital role.

Yes, there are quite a few things going on at Sage that I can get involved in. The main one I like to join in on is the Sage Foundation activity days. Employees get 5 volunteer days a year and we can select from hundreds of organisations to help out for the day. So far, I have helped at food banks, community gardens and community clean-ups.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Sage to a friend, and I actually did get one of my former colleagues to come and join one of the other apprenticeship courses (customer services). Getting the job at Sage has been one of the best things to happen to me and I am so glad I work for such a caring and prestigious company.

I would say for potential applicants to just be themselves. Sage are very encouraging of individuality and diversity, so there is no need for anyone to hide their personalities. It also helps to show determination. If you are unsuccessful in one application, try for more because the acquisition team definitely notice you!