From a career on stage to navigating the world of finance, Tasha Hartigan would never have expected to become an award-winning apprentice at the start of her journey.
We spoke to Tasha, who won the Kaplan Apprenticeship Award 2024 in the ‘Banking and Financial Services Level 6’ category. She shared her transformation and revealed her insights into balancing studies with motherhood, the invaluable support she’s received, and how her apprenticeship has shaped her into the person she is today.
Here’s what we discussed.
What is your current job role, and how would you explain this to someone unfamiliar with the industry?
I’m a degree apprentice for HSBC in finance. My role involves completing four different placements within the bank, ranging from customer service to risk, leadership, and project management.
Alongside this, I’m working towards a degree and a Financial Services Professional apprenticeship (Level 6). I also manage interns and industrial placements entering the business. What I quickly learnt is that finance encompasses many different roles. Before joining, I thought finance was all about numbers and spreadsheets. Now I know there’s a diverse range of jobs, and I’m keen to be in a ‘people’ role because that’s what excites me.
Where were you before studying with Kaplan?
Before this degree apprenticeship, I felt like I was hitting a brick wall in my career. I came from a performing arts background and lacked direction in finance. Honestly, I’m not sure if I fully know what I want to do or be when I grow up! However, I now have multiple avenues to explore and many opportunities. Reflecting on my journey and gaining hands-on experience in the workplace is gold. Learning without application doesn’t resonate with me the same way.
Tasha Hartigan
What made you want to go into banking? Was it always the plan?
It was never the plan, I wanted to be on stage as a performer. I loved it but lost myself during that process. After my second child, I was performing at others’ special events but missing my own family occasions, which affected my mental health.
One day, while unable to get on stage due to performance anxiety, I found myself scrolling through social media and saw First Direct Bank. I’d heard great things about their culture and applied on the spot. I had nothing to lose and needed a change. Now, I believe that you might have setbacks and face adversity, but if you keep pushing through and show resilience and determination, you will achieve what you’re meant to.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling in their studies?
Trust yourself - challenges will arise and you might feel overwhelmed, but you’ve overcome difficulties before. Trust the cycle.
What are your top three study tips?
- Work how you work best - don’t force yourself to study in a way that doesn’t suit you. I learn best by walking and listening to podcasts, which is still studying for me.
- Manage your time well - the busier you are, the better you’ll manage your time. Use your calendar to schedule tasks, and don’t forget to block out time for lunch and well-being.
- Look after your mental health and well-being - make sure to get your daily steps, have non-negotiables like gym time, and maintain a social life. It’s crucial to remember that this was your choice, so don’t lose yourself in the process.
HSBC’s Francis Reed, Tasha Hartigan, and Laura Anderson at the 2024 Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards.
What support have you received?
I’m a big believer that support comes from multiple sources. My talent coach and Kaplan are great, but I’ve also been more successful this year by having a really supportive manager. He attends every meeting, invests in my development, and holds me accountable. It’s a holistic support system, with everyone working together to help me be my best self.
How have you found the support from your talent coach?
My talent coach is awesome. He quickly noticed my learning style and adjusted his approach. We discuss my skills and behaviours, attaching evidence of how I’ve applied them. His detailed feedback and accountability have been invaluable. For instance, he helped me focus on attention to detail rather than just ticking the box to say I achieved this. If I could give him an award, I would.
How have you developed in your job role through your studies?
I’ve developed so much. I’m genuinely a different person because of this opportunity.
I once thought I knew a lot, but these studies and hands-on experiences have shown me otherwise. Managing teams and having difficult conversations have shaped me. The studies have encouraged me to reflect on everything rather than just coast through life.
How has your apprenticeship helped develop your skills and behaviours for the workplace?
Because I had a career in performing, I thought I had lots of skills and behaviours anyway. However, the apprenticeship taught me to reflect on my actions and intentions. I reflect on what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and how I’m doing it, which have rounded me as a person and employee.
Have you encountered any challenges during your studies? How have you overcome them?
Yes, I still face challenges every time I have a deadline, for example. A lot of the time, it’s in my own mind - thinking that I’m not good enough. Imposter syndrome is real, but I refocus by remembering why I started this journey. It’s about trusting the process and knowing it’ll be worth it in the end.
Tasha Hartigan wins Banking and Financial Services Level 6 Apprentice at the Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards 2024.
What opinions did you have about an apprenticeship before your experience?
I’m 34, so I grew up thinking that apprenticeships were for those less academically inclined, or often in hands-on fields. I wasn’t aware of degree apprenticeships or the opportunities they offer in finance. It was a taboo subject at school - university or straight to work. But now I see the value in gaining experience while studying.
Before studying, I think a lot of my misconceptions came from underestimating myself and thinking I wasn’t good enough. The apprenticeship provided a reflective, coursework-based approach, which suits me better than exams. I sometimes wish I’d known about these options sooner, but I appreciate the opportunity more now than I would have done then.
What are your plans for the future?
My goal is to be a role model for my children. My daughter is in football, a male-dominated field, just as finance is perceived to be. I want to show her that anything is possible by living my own career dreams. I hope my children see me as someone who achieved everything I aimed for, even in challenging environments.
Feeling inspired?
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