Transitioning from an apprentice to a seasoned professional is a journey filled with learning, challenges, and immense growth.
In this episode of our Learn Better podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with former Kaplan apprentice, Irsa Hussain, ATT, who is a Global Mobility Senior Associate at Vialto Partners and an inspiring advocate for diversity and apprenticeships.
Irsa shared her incredible story, from starting her career to championing inclusivity in the workplace. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating their own professional path.
A passion for people and diversity
While many fall into finance as a career, Irsa stayed for a reason that may surprise some: it’s a people-oriented and dynamic field. Her full-time career began at a Big Four firm, but a move to a smaller global organisation highlighted a noticeable decrease in diversity. This observation sparked a desire to act.
One example of how Irsa identified opportunities to improve conversations relating to inclusivity was through her Ramadan Challenge. Caron asks for more details about this, where Irsa explains how she launched the initiative to bring both fasting and non-fasting colleagues together during Ramadan.
Ultimately, this encourages non-Muslim colleagues to fast for a day, fostering a deeper understanding of what it’s like for Muslims in a corporate environment. Her work further extends to collaborating with the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance, where she champions both diversity and the value of apprenticeships.
Balancing exams, work, and well-being
Lee asks how Irsa managed to balance work, study, and her well-being, and she admits it wasn’t easy.
Irsa quickly realised that an all-work-no-play approach was unsustainable, and she really struggled to navigate the adjustment to working from home with less support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking up activities like knitting and painting provided a much-needed balance, helping her to switch off from the pressures of work and study. It’s a powerful reminder that personal wellbeing is crucial for professional success.
Using your platform for good
As the only child of immigrant parents, Irsa has always felt a drive to prove herself and continuously improve. She sees exams as a great tool for self-development but also recognises the personal sacrifices involved. Now, as she moves towards a manager position, she feels a strong responsibility to pass on her skills and experience to the next generation.
Irsa actively uses her LinkedIn profile to build her personal brand, but more importantly, to advocate for diversity and create opportunities for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. She wants to inspire others and isn't afraid to speak up against injustice. Her journey to finance was initially solidified by an internship through the Social Mobility Foundation, which cemented her decision to pursue an apprenticeship - an opportunity she now champions for others.
Your voice matters
Irsa’s story is a testament to the power of trusting the process and recognising that knowledge can come from unexpected places. She believes communication is one of the most critical skills for management and encourages others to use their voices.
In response to Lee’s question about the future of apprenticeships, Irsa urges listeners to make their voices heard - especially as funding for Level 7 programmes faces uncertainty. She urges people to contact their MPs and make their views known. For Irsa, apprenticeships are not just a career path; they are a practical way to navigate the cost of living crisis while building a successful future.
What does ‘Learn Better’ mean to Irsa?
As always, Lee wrapped up the conversation by asking Irsa what ‘learn better’ means to her. For Irsa, it’s about trusting the process and recognising that learning comes from every part of the journey, not just the end result.
She shares how she's found that 'learning comes from so many different sources and places where you don't expect it to come from,' which is something she will carry throughout her career.
It's a powerful reminder that the moments in between, such as the challenges, self-doubt, and perseverance, are where true learning takes place.
Shape your future
Irsa Hussain’s journey is a great example of how apprentices can not only succeed professionally but also become catalysts for positive change. By embracing challenges, prioritising wellbeing, and using your voice, you can shape a career that is both successful and meaningful.
If you’re inspired by Irsa’s story and want to explore how an apprenticeship could kickstart your career, explore the programmes we offer at Kaplan.