Jasmine Shum, from the Class of 2023, is a former Xaverian who has launched her career with a Higher Apprenticeship with one of the big-five American technology companies. After completing a BTEC in Business at Xaverian, Jasmine in now applying her knowledge and skills in the workplace with a sought-after Marketing Executive Apprenticeship at Amazon.
Jasmine chose to specialise in business at the college by following the BTEC Extended Diploma which meant she was able study the subject in more depth, and it would give her the breadth of knowledge she needed to take the next step into an apprenticeship. Jasmine said: “The course has given me a fascinating insight into business, and I’ve loved that it involves so many different skills, such as being creative, strategic and innovative etc. Every lesson was different, and I was constantly learning new topics and their application in the real world. My teachers have been so supportive, both academically and personally which has really made all the difference when completing my studies.”
After finishing at Xaverian, Jasmine relocated to the company’s head offices in London to start the apprenticeship and said: “It was a bit daunting at first as there was a lot of change all at once, but I quickly found my feet and settled. It’s been an amazing experience so far and I have learned so much about working in a fast-paced marketing environment. As part of the apprenticeship, I am also studying towards a CIM Certificate in Marketing, which is great as I will gain a qualification and can apply the knowledge I learn to my job role in the company.
“I’ve developed so much both professionally and personally through being an apprentice. For example, I get to pitch my ideas to senior managers, which is amazing when they get accepted and they allow me to implement them as part of the marketing strategy. Being an apprentice has enabled me to work in an environment where I can learn and develop new skills, as well as gain the confidence and support to execute them.”
Jasmine’s role at Amazon involves working within a team to manage content carousels and marketing strategies on the Prime Video storefront. Jasmine commented: “I specifically manage a synergy between my team and the socials team across the UK, Spain and France, and have supported the US team so that they can replicate the synergy in their locale. I also manage my own innovation project which involves working with metadata to improve the quality and performance of our marketing strategies to improve the customer experience.
“Even though I’m so early on in my career and only seven months into my role at Amazon, I have had many valuable experiences including taking part in the ‘Ten Years of Amazon Apprenticeships’ event where I spoke to over 300 students, I supported a ‘Future Leaders’ programme where I mentored pupils from inner city schools, I featured in an ‘AboutAmazon’ article offering advice to aspiring apprentices and I co-presented the Amazon Apprentice Awards.
“I love marketing and, through being an apprentice, I’ve got the opportunity to work on so many exciting projects. The skills and opportunities I’ve had are invaluable and I definitely feel that it’s been better for my career than if I’d gone to university. I now know I’d like to work more specifically in events, socials or public relations in a role where I get to lead campaigns on seasonal and diversity, equality and inclusion themes, as it’s something I’m really passionate about.”