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Meet Jon, 20, from Essex. Find out about his job as a Level 3 business administration apprentice at Unilever. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

I had no idea what I wanted to do before my apprenticeship. There were no guarantees that I was going to enjoy it but I took that risk.

How would you describe your job?

I work in data-driven marketing, or consumer market insights, which aims to gain an understanding of consumer behaviour and interactions. We kind of work behind the scenes and we work with our data providers. My role is to maintain the relationships between our internal partners and external partners and to keep everyone up-to-date. I send out materials and resources to our teams across the world.

What skills do you use?

Teamwork and being able to work alongside other people. Being able to brainstorm and bounce ideas around is also important.

Learning on the job. I didn’t really know anything about data partnerships, but that’s the beauty of apprenticeships – you get to learn all about each area on the job. Just because you don’t have certain experience, don’t let that be something to put you off.

I am a people person so I have also been able to get involved in a range of opportunities, find my people and expand my network.

How did you get into your job?

I didn’t want to go to uni at all and at school there wasn’t much information about apprenticeships and what they were. I had to do quite a lot of research and I came across the Multiverse website. It’s quite cool – you create one profile with them and you can use that profile to apply for any job. I’d heard about my employer during my A-levels and I was interested in the role, so I applied and I got through!

I found what I was passionate about through doing an apprenticeship. I had no idea what I wanted to do before my apprenticeship. There were no guarantees that I was going to enjoy it but I took that risk.

What was the application process like?

The online application is almost like a digital profile – you have your name and qualifications, and you upload a video. The video is you talking about why you would be a good candidate and your interests in that field. After sending that, I had an interview, and there were different tasks. I had to prepare a presentation, and they gave me some feedback on that. After that I was offered a role.

What did you study at school?

I did Geography, Sociology and English Language for A-level. I knew the university style of learning wasn’t for me because it’s very independent, whereas on my apprenticeship there is such a wide range of support. I have my coach, who I have regular meetings with, and I can email them if I need any information on a particular subject – whether it’s to do with my professional development or my personal development.

Top tips

• If you are considering an apprenticeship, narrow it down, look at the job role and choose something that you’re passionate about and you’re actually going to enjoy.
• My company is really mission-driven, and that was important to me. Looking at the role and looking at the company is something you need to take into consideration.
• For the interview, make sure you prepare. If you have a presentation to do, make sure you do it well in advance and you really think about it. Maybe bounce your ideas off a peer or parent.
• Be your authentic self, don’t try to be somebody you’re not.

Business administration roles like Jon’s can take place in many different departments within a company.

What to expect if you want to become a business administrator

Other similar job roles are: office administrator, clerical assistant, administrative assistant. Admin assistants give support to businesses by organising meetings, typing documents and updating computer records.

• Business administrator average salary: £14,000 to £28,000 per year
• Business administrator typical hours: 38 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a business administrator?

You could get into this role via a college course, an apprenticeship, working towards this role or applying directly.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed. (sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service)