Emma

From SJB to Chartered Management Degree Apprentice (Marketing & Audiences) at the BBC

Emma joined SJB in Year 7 and continued into the Sixth Form, where she studied A Levels in Biology, Maths, and Geography. Throughout her time at SJB, Emma demonstrated a strong work ethic, resilience, and a thoughtful approach to her future. She is now leaving school to begin a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship with the BBC, specialising in Marketing and Audiences.

Unsure of exactly what she wanted to study at university, Emma explored a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities and attended information evenings to help narrow down her interests. She was drawn to the apprenticeship route for its practical experience, structured career path, and the opportunity to earn a degree while working—without the uncertainty of securing a placement year or graduate job after university.

Emma applied to around 30 different apprenticeship roles, each with its own multi-stage process. Most began with a written application and motivational questions, followed by psychometric or behavioural tests. Successful candidates were then invited to online interviews—some live, others pre-recorded—and finally to assessment centres. These varied widely, from group activities to formal presentations and in-depth interviews.

Despite receiving many rejections, Emma remained focused and determined. She learned to take each setback in stride, using feedback to improve and refine her approach. Balancing schoolwork, revision, and the demands of the application process was challenging, but her perseverance paid off. Out of 2,000 applicants, Emma was one of just three selected for the BBC apprenticeship.

She will now work towards a BSc (Hons) in Management Practice while gaining real-world experience in one of the UK’s most iconic organisations. Reflecting on her success, Emma said she was “extremely happy but also very shocked” to receive the offer, especially given the strength of the other candidates. Knowing she had secured her future before sitting her final exams gave her a huge sense of relief and confidence.