From Fashion Graduate to Senior Marketing Role: How an Apprenticeship Helped Megan Build Her Confidence

When Megan Williams left university, she knew she wanted a career in marketing. What she didn't know was how difficult it would be to land that first opportunity.

After studying a BTEC in Fashion Design at college, Megan went on to complete a degree in Fashion Image Making and Styling at the University of Salford. Alongside her studies, she gained valuable experience through internships with M&S and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, which sparked her interest in marketing and communications.

"I knew I wanted to work in marketing, but finding that first role was really difficult," Megan explains. "I was looking for entry-level opportunities and faced a lot of rejection before I finally got my foot in the door."

After university, Megan spent a year working in hospitality while continuing her search for a marketing role. Eventually, she secured a position as a Marketing Coordinator at Farleys Solicitors, an opportunity she describes as a turning point in her career.

Turning Experience into Expertise

Although Megan was developing valuable experience in the workplace, she wanted to strengthen her understanding of marketing theory and strategy.

"I knew where I wanted my career to go, but I wanted a deeper understanding of the industry and why we do the things we do in marketing."

With the support of her employer, Megan enrolled on the Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship with the Growth Company while continuing to work full-time.

The impact Was Immediate.

"Within the first couple of classes, I was already applying what I was learning to my day-to-day role. It helped me understand the theory behind the work I was already doing and made everything click into place."

Working in a small marketing team meant Megan gained experience across every aspect of marketing, from branding and communications to digital marketing, events and content creation. The apprenticeship gave her the knowledge to back up that hands-on experience.

Support Every Step of the Way

For Megan, one of the most valuable parts of the apprenticeship was having support throughout the programme.

Alongside the backing of her employer, she benefited from regular guidance from her tutor, helping her build confidence and apply her learning in the workplace.

"I wanted Mark to know the role that he played in it as well, because he was great. He was super supportive for the entire time I was on the course."

That support helped Megan develop the confidence to trust her own judgement, contribute more strategically at work and ultimately take the next step in her marketing career.

The Confidence to Take the Next Step

For Megan, the biggest benefit of the apprenticeship wasn't just knowledge. It was confidence.

Before enrolling, she often found herself second-guessing her decisions and seeking reassurance from colleagues.

"Once I started understanding the theory behind marketing, I became much more confident in my own judgement. I wasn't constantly checking everything with someone else before giving my opinion."

That confidence was recognised by colleagues and managers, and it also helped Megan during interviews when applying for new opportunities.

"I don't think I would be where I am now or have had the confidence to go for this role if I hadn't completed the apprenticeship."

Securing a Dream Opportunity

Today, Megan is preparing to start an exciting new role as a Senior Client Executive with a retail media agency, where she will work with major household brands and retail clients. The move brings her closer to the creative, retail-focused environment she had always hoped to work in when she first studied fashion.

Throughout the interview process, Megan found that employers were particularly interested in her decision to complete an apprenticeship alongside a full-time role.

"Every person I met during the interview process was impressed by it. They said it showed commitment to the industry and a genuine desire to develop my skills."

Apprenticeships Aren't Just for School Leavers

Having already completed a degree, an apprenticeship wasn't something Megan had originally considered.

"When I left university, I thought apprenticeships were for school or college leavers. I assumed I needed to look for graduate roles."

Now, she sees apprenticeships differently.

"I love that they're accessible at any stage of your career. Whether you're starting out or looking to develop existing skills, they're a fantastic way to learn while gaining practical experience."

Megan's Advice

Looking back, Megan has no hesitation in recommending apprenticeships and the Growth Company to others looking to develop their careers.

"Do it. I'm so glad I did. It felt like a big commitment at the time, but I don't regret any of it. It helped me build confidence, develop professionally and ultimately played a huge part in helping me secure my dream role."

For Megan, the apprenticeship wasn't about starting a career. It was about taking the career she wanted and giving herself the skills and confidence to achieve it