How Emily Turned Purpose into a Career Through a Degree Apprenticeship
After a year studying Marine Biology and then Environmental Humanities for another year at the University of Exeter, Emily made a decision that many would see as risky.
She left her traditional degree and began searching for a different path.
Today, Emily is completing a Social Research Degree Apprenticeship (SDRA) with the University of Kent while working at ROTA (Race on the Agenda), where she is already contributing to research, influencing policy and presenting at national conferences.
Looking back, she has no doubts she made the right choice.
“I took a strategic risk. I knew that if I could find the right apprenticeship close to home, it would completely change my life.”
Finding the Right Fit
For Emily, the decision wasn’t just about studying differently. Coming from a low-income background and balancing caring responsibilities, remaining close to family while earning a salary made a significant difference.
Although university gave her valuable experiences, she realised she learned best by combining study with practical work.
“University gave me the independence and helped me figure out what I wanted to do. But studying alongside work and putting everything into practice is how I learn best.”
She also recognised that gaining meaningful work experience alongside a qualification would give her a head start compared with many graduates entering the job market.
Turning Passion into Purpose
During university, Emily completed five internships, including a Summer Internship with UCAS through the 10,000 Black Interns Programme. These experiences sparked her passion for social research, race, identity and creating meaningful change.
When she discovered the SRDA, she attended an information session to find out more. It was there that she learnt she didn’t have to wait for the perfect apprenticeship vacancy to appear. Instead, she could approach an organisation whose values aligned with her own and explore whether they would be interested in partnering with the University.
Emily reached out to ROTA (Race on the Agenda), an organisation she admired for its focus on community voice, lived experience and tackling racial inequality. After speaking with CEO Matthew, she discovered the timing couldn’t have been better. ROTA had already been considering an apprentice, and with support from the University of Kent, the partnership became a reality.
“Everything just aligned. Their principles around community voice and lived experience matched exactly what I wanted to do.”
That conversation led to the apprenticeship she is thriving in today.
More Than Just a Qualification
Less than a year into her apprenticeship, Emily has already achieved more than she imagined possible. She was also invited to present a policy briefing she had produced on young carers at the Northern Race Equality Conference, the International Young Carers Conference in Germany, and other national events.
“What I’ve achieved so far is something I genuinely thought would take me years to accomplish.”
For Emily, the apprenticeship has accelerated her career while allowing her to make a real impact from the very beginning.
The Support That Makes the Difference
Emily believes one of the biggest reasons she has flourished is the support she has received from both her employer and the University of Kent.
Rather than treating her as “just an apprentice”, her employer has taken the time to understand her as an individual, recognising her interests, responsibilities and the support she needs to succeed.
“They know I’m a carer. They know my interests. They genuinely want to see me grow, not just because it benefits the organisation, but because they care about my future.”
She also praises the University’s regular reviews and communication, which have helped create a strong partnership between apprentice, employer and university throughout her programme.
There Isn’t One Right Route
Having experienced both university and an apprenticeship, Emily doesn’t believe there is a single route that suits everyone.
“If you have a clear idea of what you want to do and you find an organisation you genuinely connect with, I’d recommend an apprenticeship. But if you’re still figuring things out, university can be an amazing experience too.”
She believes both routes have real value, and that young people should be given the information and support they need to make the right decision for themselves.
Looking Ahead
Emily hopes to continue using research to influence policy and create opportunities for young people whose voices are too often overlooked.
She is passionate about improving support for young people in their communities and believes lived experience should play a much greater role in shaping policy and services.
Above all, she hopes her own story encourages others to believe these opportunities are within their reach.
“Every opportunity I get, I hope another young person can look at it and think, ‘Maybe I can do that too.'”
For Emily, her degree apprenticeship has been far more than a qualification. It has given her the opportunity to build a career with purpose, make an impact much earlier than she ever expected and show that success doesn’t always follow a traditional path.
Ready to find your own path?
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already know where you want your career to take you, a degree apprenticeship could help you gain the skills, experience and qualification to get there.
Explore the University of Kent’s apprenticeship programmes and discover where your journey could begin.
Contact us
Has Emily’s story inspired you to hire an apprentice? Please contact us on recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk to learn more about how we can support your workforce development needs.