AstraZeneca
Charley Denny, Digital and Technology Solutions Graduate
Taking on two degree apprenticeships: Charley’s story
Meet Charley Denny, a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional alumni who chose to undertake a degree apprenticeship before going on to complete a masters in the subject. She shared with us her insights on how a degree apprenticeship was instrumental in helping her climb the career ladder. Read more about Charley’s experience undertaking two degree apprenticeships:
Forging a new pathway
The apprenticeship route has given me so many opportunities both professionally and academically. The initial step onto the degree apprenticeship was never in my life plan, but I didn’t get the A-level results I was expecting. I applied for a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship with AstraZeneca, and I ended up on the first graduating cohort at Manchester Met. When I was considering my next steps afterwards, I discussed my career aspirations with my mentor. We realised that the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist (Masters) would give me the strategic knowledge and skills to excel at the next stage of my career, and so I progressed straight on to the programme the September after I graduated.
I can tell you now that I would never have studied a Master’s degree if I’d gone to university in the traditional way.
Climbing the career ladder
The degree apprenticeship has been instrumental in getting me where I am today. I have had three promotions while on programme at both Level 6 and Level 7. On completion of my degree, I was promoted to Associate Business Analyst, before beginning the Master’s programme in September 2019. I was rapidly promoted again to Digital and Analytics Lead in September 2020. The Level 7 degree apprenticeship was instrumental in getting me that promotion, with the interview panel commenting that it showed my dedication to becoming a leader in this space. In 2022, I took on my the role as Digital Project Manager, was awarded a pay rise, and then took a ten-month maternity leave before returning in early 2024.
I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far. The apprenticeship route isn’t an easy one; it requires hard work and a mature mindset, but the rewards have been fantastic.