My Unconventional Journey to a Finance Apprenticeship: From Overseas Student to Warner Bros

Starting fresh in a new country is never easy, especially when you’re on your own. Moving from overseas to the UK to complete my A-levels brought its own set of challenges. The culture, learning styles, and overall community were different, and it took me some time to find my footing. But looking back, I realize that adapting to these changes taught me essential skills that I would use in the next steps of my career journey.

When I first arrived, I intended to go straight to university after college. But during a work experience placement at Trafford Golf Centre, I found that I thrived in a hands-on, dynamic environment. Within just three days, I adapted to the job, and the management team offered me a position, impressed with how quickly I’d taken to the work. That experience sparked a realisation: maybe university wasn’t my only path.

A Gap Year for Clarity

After finishing my A-levels, I applied to several apprenticeships but was rejected from all of them. With university feeling like my only fall-back option, I took time to seriously reflect. Rather than jumping into something that didn’t feel right, I decided on a gap year to explore what I truly wanted.

During this year, I worked full-time as a Reception Supervisor at Trafford Golf Centre. In this role, I encountered a diverse range of colleagues and clients, helping me develop essential soft skills. Working in such a fast-paced, high-energy environment taught me how much I enjoyed hands-on learning and practical experiences. This role solidified my desire to pursue an apprenticeship where I could continue learning by doing.

Lessons in Rejection

My gap year wasn’t without its own challenges. As I applied for apprenticeships, the rejections continued to pile up, and many people around me suggested I give up and go to university instead. But my mother’s encouragement kept me going—she reminded me that “rejection is redirection,” and that many successful people faced countless rejections before finding the right path.

At this point, I knew I needed to change my approach. I revamped my LinkedIn profile and actively connected with professionals in industries I was interested in. I also became more focused in my search, deciding to pursue a career in finance rather than casting a wide net with applications in every sector. Alongside that, I took online courses in Excel and gained finance-specific work experience to build up relevant skills.

These adjustments paid off. I began to see progress in my applications, advancing further in the hiring process, and I gained invaluable insights from connections on LinkedIn and virtual work experiences. A key turning point came when David Barker from Placer sponsored me for their employability course in their Skills Academy, which helped me refine my applications even further.

Landing My Dream Apprenticeship

After making these changes, I secured three apprenticeship offers in finance. Today, I am a Finance Apprentice at Warner Bros, responsible for the financial aspects of their theatrical film department. Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for the hurdles that redirected me, even though they felt daunting at the time.

Tips for Future Apprentices

If there’s one piece of advice, I’d give to anyone looking to follow a similar path, it’s this: research the company you’re applying to and find a personal connection to its work. During my interview process, I talked about my love for Warner Bros movies and series, which I believe helped me stand out. It showed genuine passion, something that recruiters notice.

Another tip is to build a profile that reflects more than just academic achievement. Extracurriculars are a big plus—they show that you’re committed to developing yourself outside of structured requirements. These experiences make your application unique and signal to employers that you’re well-rounded and motivated.

Looking Ahead

My journey to this apprenticeship has been anything but traditional. Moving to the UK on my own, facing rejections, and choosing a gap year to re-evaluate my goals were challenging decisions. But these experiences helped shape my career, guiding me toward a path that feels right. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that taking the time to reflect and redirect after setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities.

If you’re facing similar doubts or challenges, know that it’s okay to carve your own path. There’s more than one way to reach your goals, and sometimes, the detours lead to the most fulfilling destinations.