I have recently started my role as an Apprentice Project Support Officer at City-REDI. My career pivot from eye care to project support was initiated by a project management industry-intensive programme. This gave me an insight into the essentials of project work, and the incentive to enter a new role, where I could obtain exposure to project work.
My desire to transition into a completely different role, with a new and defined learning curve, meant that an apprenticeship was the perfect bridge to change from one career to a different career path. Working within City-REDI, I am looking forward to learning about a new field, and the projects/research initiatives within the organisation. I am also excited about working within the University of Birmingham framework, where learning and progress are intrinsic.
Climbing a new tree of knowledge, skill application and development can be both exciting and unnerving at the same time. Having an Apprentice Team within the University and fellow apprentices also navigating and supporting each other along the way, for me, is an important part of the process.
I enjoy working within a team of different disciplines; academics and professional services. Sitting within the professional services team, I value the support and connection within my team in helping me navigate my way through a new set of learnings and ways of working. I hope to develop my understanding of the projects and work of academics as I progress in my role.
I bring to the role, most importantly, my communication skills. My experience with people over the years; from the public to people at all levels of an organisation has helped me to develop strong interpersonal skills.
I am certain that learning from my team, colleagues, the apprenticeship network, and university resources will help shape my apprenticeship into a valuable period of growth as I embark on a new career path.
This blog was written by Selina Soomal, Project Support Apprentice, City-REDI / WMREDI, University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI, WMREDI or the University of Birmingham.