Francesca Dennis, Accreditation Manager in the University of Sussex Business School, recently graduated with a distinction in her Leadership MBA as part of a Senior Leader apprenticeship. We asked her about her experience of the scheme:

Why did you initially choose an apprenticeship?

I was looking to undertake a business degree, but financially could not afford to stop working. I considered part-time degrees that would enable me to continue working whilst studying and then discovered MBA degree apprenticeships. This ticked all the boxes as I could continue working full time, with part of my working week allocated to off the job study, and the full cost of the course would be funded by Sussex. The Leadership MBA degree that I selected was at Brighton University, so very easy to travel to for seminars and workshops.

What apprenticeship are you undertaking?

I have completed my Leadership MBA, graduating with a distinction. Over the next few months I will achieve a second award, my Senior Leaders Degree Apprenticeship once I have completed the end point assessment.  

What challenges have you faced during the apprenticeship programme?

I started in September 2019, a few months before Covid hit. Like many aspects of ‘normal life’ things changed quickly and we moved to online teaching which caused some disruption to my course. I found it more difficult to connect with peers during this time and felt that I wasn’t able to harness as many valuable networking opportunities. I also moved home two months into the course and began renovating, so I needed to do quite a lot of juggling between home, studying and working!   

How will the apprenticeship benefit you in your current role and in the future?

I’ve had a bit of a change in career path already, moving from an EA position to Accreditation Manager within the Business School. I know this would not have been possible without this degree. I’ve also learnt a great deal about business through the different modules, including leadership, economics, information systems, organisational behaviour, and so on. Studying for an apprenticeship enables you to apply theory to practical work-based situations, as all assignments are based on your place of work. I’ve been able to develop processes and launch initiatives at work, that I’ve only been made aware of through the degree and discussions with fellow learners. 

What advice would you offer someone considering an apprenticeship and/or keen to progress their career.

The degree apprenticeship has not been easy, there have been some very difficult periods and a lot of sacrificed evenings and weekends. However, if someone was determined and motivated to work and study then I would wholeheartedly recommend exploring degree apprenticeship options. You are supported by your employer and take 20% of your working week for off the job learning, and don’t have the financial costs that you otherwise would. Studying whilst working at a University also presents unique benefits, such as being able to access additional library resources and seek advice from colleagues who are experts in the field (something I did on multiple occasions!)