Overcoming Challenges: A journey to Chartered Manager status

Embarking on the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic was no ordinary undertaking. Elivia’s journey was marked by a series of significant life events, each bringing its own challenges, but ultimately shaping a story of resilience, determination and transformation.

A unique start amid a global pandemic

Elivia’s apprenticeship journey began in November 2020, a time of global uncertainty. Amid the chaos of lockdowns and restrictions, Elivia faced personal upheavals, including cancelling her wedding three times and moving house on three occasions. Balancing these disruptions and juggling multiple responsibilities, she managed her apprenticeship, a demanding professional role and significant personal challenges without compromising quality or outcomes. While early feedback highlighted a tendency to overwork, she used this insight to set boundaries, delegate effectively and maintain her wellbeing - all while achieving exceptional results in her studies and professional evaluations.

Professional growth through adversity 

The apprenticeship proved to be a catalyst for Elivia’s professional development. Starting her journey at the University of Derby as a Marketing Officer, she moved through different roles and gained a breadth of experience before settling into the B2B marketing team. This role saw her leading a team and effectively managing campaigns for a broad product portfolio. Along the way, she utilised her strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities and leadership skills, enabling her to make an impact within the organisation. This ultimately led to being awarded the University’s ‘Exceptional Contribution Scheme’, a special initiative used to recognise and reward employees who have significantly impacted the university's success.

Navigating challenges

During her studies, Elivia became pregnant with her first child. Despite a challenging pregnancy with numerous health conditions, she continued to progress - juggling academic commitments and a demanding professional workload. Despite the challenges she faced, Elivia remained steadfast in her studies, declining the offer to extend deadlines and applying her tenacity to ensure they were always met.

‘My employer provided support during my pregnancy and apprenticeship, especially my academic tutor Matt Bromley and workplace mentor Marie Lawrence-Wilson. They really helped me juggle a wide range of commitments and challenges and this ensured I was able to continue my studies without taking a break.’

A testament to resilience and growth 

Elivia’s journey to Chartered Manager status is a testament to the power of her resilience, determination and focus on continuous self-improvement. From overcoming health challenges and personal upheavals to achieving professional recognition, her story illustrates the transformative impact of the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship. 

Over time, the apprenticeship helped Elivia shift her mindset, enabling her to recognise her value and the contribution she made both within her career and beyond.  

Exceptional stakeholder feedback and high-performance reviews reinforced her growing confidence, and she began to embrace her role as a capable leader and strategist. This self-belief allowed her to represent her organisation at conferences, workshops, and events, engaging stakeholders with poise and positive assertiveness.

Matt Bromley, Academic Manager, praised Elivia for her apprenticeship journey. He said:

‘Elivia demonstrated great resilience throughout her studies, juggling the uncertainties of life and work in a high-pressured role. She demonstrated the key skills and behaviours expected of a Chartered Manager and as well as being awarded a distinction for her apprenticeship and first class honours, she also received some of the most positive feedback we have seen on a 360 review from internal and external colleagues. She was an exemplary student and should be hugely proud of what she achieved.'

Advice to future apprentices

Looking ahead, Elivia is committed to applying the skills and knowledge gained through her studies to further her professional growth and support others looking to achieve similar success. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how, even in the face of significant challenges, ambition and perseverance can pave the way for success.