Hello! I’m Michaela, and I recently completed my Degree Apprenticeship in Senior Leadership at the University of Exeter and will be attending graduation in December 2025. I work as a Client Service Account Manager in the Securities Services line of business at JPMorgan, based in Bournemouth. My role involves a significant amount of thought leadership, boundary spanning, influencing and effective communication, which inspired me to pursue a degree in this field.
Why I Chose a Degree Apprenticeship
While I thoroughly enjoy my role at JPMorgan, I was eager to explore opportunities that would further enhance my long-term development and career. When the chance to participate in a degree apprenticeship was offered within our organisation, I discussed it with my manager. This program provided me with the opportunity to earn several qualifications, including a Level 7 in Senior Leadership, Chartered Manager Status with the CMI, and the potential to extend this to a Masterās in Business Administration (MBA). This path was the perfect fit for me, as it allowed me to continue my career at JPMorgan without having to return to full-time education.
The Work/Study/Life Merry-go-round
Over the past two and a half years, I’ve delved into a wide range of topics, including leading people and organisations, leading change, sustainable finance, managing business performance, and influential leadership. Balancing these studies with a full-time job in a large global organisation was challenging, but here are a few tips that helped me manage:
1. Be Flexible: Allocate specific time slots for study activities, readings, and research throughout the week. I avoided having a fixed “study day” as it felt too rigid and not conducive to my day job.
2. Reflect Regularly: At the end of each module, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply this newfound knowledge in the workplace. Acknowledge how far you’ve come!
3. Choose a Workplace Mentor Wisely: Select a workplace mentor who has a vested interest in your success. They can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout your journey. I was grateful that my management team were extremely supportive throughout the journey.
My Experience with the University of Exeter
The Exeter campus is a vibrant place with a wonderful atmosphere. The Business School, where most of our in-person lectures were held, is perfectly located. We were also fortunate to have lectures in a stunning building, which added to the experience. The University provides extensive support specifically for Degree Apprenticeship students. The administrative support team is approachable and responsive, always willing to help. The library staff are equally supportive, and I highly recommend utilising this resourceāit saved me a lot of time once I discovered it. Additionally, the University assigns an academic mentor to work alongside your workplace mentor, ensuring you stay on track throughout your learning journey. I was fortunate to have Christian as my academic mentor, and he was a tremendous support. Lastly, you are paired with a buddy within your cohort, and my buddy was Franz. Franz and I are oppositesāhe describes himself as a wolf, whereas I am most definitely a lion. However, he was more help and support than he may realise!
What I Have Gained from This Opportunity
The best aspect of a Degree Apprenticeship is that your assignments and case studies are aligned with opportunities within the workplace. This makes them valuable from both an academic and career perspective. I have enhanced several skills, including writing, presenting, and storytelling. More specifically, the sustainable finance module enabled me to better understand how our clients view sustainable finance and the pressures they face when deciding on investment opportunities. Lastly, I have made some lifelong friends from my cohort. From engaging in in-person debates surrounding work from home during our first session to shedding tears of gratitude at the end of our academic chapter, we were from a variety of sectors and organisations, gaining insight into the pressures we all face as senior leaders. I am grateful to have been part of their journey.
I hope my story inspires others to consider a degree apprenticeship as a valuable path for personal and professional growth. Happy National Apprenticeship Week