South Londoner Samuel walks us through his apprenticeship experience.
Before Urban Synergy, I wasn’t really thinking about my career, I was just focused on my GCSEs. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do, but it wasn’t until I joined at 16 that I really started considering my future. Now, at 19, I’ve just started my apprenticeship at the financial data and media company Bloomberg, and looking back, Urban Synergy played a huge role in getting me here!
Mentors can change everything
I was lucky to have two incredible mentors: Frank Shenton, a software engineer, and Basil Mason, a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. Their industry knowledge, guidance, and support helped shape my career path.
Work experience builds confidence
Thanks to Urban Synergy, I did two summers of work experience at UK Power Networks. Walking into an office full of professionals at 16 was intimidating at first, but by my second year, I had grown so much that even my manager noticed the difference.
Mentors help you find the answers yourself
They don’t just hand you solutions; they guide you to discover them. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into tech, but after speaking to my mentors, I realised an apprenticeship in technology was the right path for me.
Professional skills are just as important as technical ones
My mentors helped me with CV writing, presentations, and communication. Coming from an introverted background, learning to speak confidently with professionals was a game-changer.
You get out what you put in
Urban Synergy provides amazing opportunities, but it’s up to you to make the most of them. Be proactive, take every chance to learn, and if you can, go for work experience—it makes a huge difference!
Urban Synergy opened doors for me that I wouldn’t have even known existed. If you’re thinking about joining, go for it!