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I had dreamed of what it would be like, the friendships, study groups, lectures; I was beyond excited to see my dream unfold before me.
It was not until I went to university that I discovered the old saying was true – ‘University isn’t for everyone’. This wasn’t where I was supposed to be, I knew that as soon as I got there. I thought perhaps once I unpacked my boxes, suddenly I would feel the euphoria that I had been hoping for, but alas, the dream never came true. Instead, reality woke me up.
I realised that there was an expanse of other options for me to consider. There was travelling, college, becoming an entrepreneur, or being a housewife to a rich husband and never working a day in my life (an option I am still open to, if anyone is wondering). Nevertheless, among all these potential scenarios, one stood out.
An apprenticeship in Digital Marketing was the only choice that truly excited me. I could see myself in an office, with a plant on my desk, answering the phone in my best customer service voice. I practiced on my landline; I must admit.
After months of searching for the perfect position to begin my new career, this vision was slowly disappearing. No interview or call, or offer from any company gave me the feeling, yet I was still clinging to finding it. And it all changed in an instant with Nielsen McAllister.
The building’s atmosphere, the welcoming nature of my future colleagues on my tour around the office – it was love at first sight if you believe in that. It was the feeling you get when you walk into your new house and immediately feel at home. It was exactly what I had been dreaming of.
You can probably imagine my excitement when later that same day I was offered the job; I could not eat or sleep until the day I started. I was so eager, and so very nervous.
Those nerves continued throughout my first day, where I was so anxious about being late that I arrived 30 minutes early and waited around the corner in my car. I then of course proceeded to embarrass myself several times through the day, not knowing where to park or how to stop the back door of the office from locking me out. I did not even eat lunch that day, I was worried I might get food down me!
However, when 5:30pm rolled around I was almost sad to leave. I had in those eight hours felt more at home than I had in a month of university life.
Becoming an apprentice was a tough but exciting decision. It has opened my life to a whole world of possibilities that I had never expected. I cannot wait to see where this apprenticeship takes me, and I especially cannot wait to see where this extraordinary company takes me. I have a strong feeling it will be exactly where I want to be.