As told by Kate Ruskin of Tower Hamlets:

Before joining the Marketing and Events Team at Broadgate, I was stuck in a rut!

I had been in retail in the same shop, in the same position, for three and a half years. I was terribly bored with my job and felt I wasn’t moving forward with my life at all. This job was just there to pay for my travel and to help my mum get by, but was never a proper career choice. I needed to get out!

During my time working in retail I was also studying. I trained at the Italia Conti Academy Of Theatre Arts. This gave me the idea of starting a career not only that I could progress in and learn from but also keep my creative side.

I found a company called redwood who advised me that an apprenticeship would be best. Not only would I be learning but also getting paid. They told me about a Marketing and Events Administration role at Broadgate Estates. Perfect for me! Helping market and create events, using my imagination and staying creative. I couldn’t think of a better role more suited to me.

I was invited in for an interview with Chantell Brown. It was my first time in an office, naturally I was very nervous, but Chantell made me feel so at ease. She asked me to talk about myself rather than just throwing a load of questions at me. Although it was professional, I felt like I was talking to a friend.

After being successful in the first stage of interview, I was then invited in for a meeting with the Head of Marketing and also the Communications Manager. They made me feel so welcome and were really chatty and friendly. They interviewed me and seemed really happy with me. I was really confident about the interview process, everyone seemed impressed.

After waiting a few weeks I then got the phone call! They wanted me to start at the end of the month. A minute after having received the offer, I rushed to find a pen to write my letter of resignation to my retail employer at the time.

I am now near the end of my 1-year apprenticeship and I feel I have achieved more in the last year than I did in the previous two years put together. I love my team and I feel so at home there. I am now looking forward to achieving my level 4 here at Broadgate and securing a long term, permanent position in the business.

For once, I can say I am really and truly proud of myself and can’t wait for what the future has to bring.