Destiny Chen

Destiny Chen, Coaching Apprenticeship, University of Oxford
Project Coordinator
Computer Science

Type of Apprenticeship: Level 5 Coaching Professional

Start date: April 2021

End date: February 2023

  1. Why did you choose to do Apprenticeship-based training?
    So that I can have the support from the field expertise and experienced mentor. With the guidance of their rich knowledge and skills, I’m able to deliver a better services to my clients/coachees. It’s an enhanced and enhancing experience for all of us involved. 
     
  2. What qualifications did you have before applying for your Apprenticeship course?
    Master in Education, Bachelor Degree in TEFL, NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration
     
  3. How did you find out about your Apprenticeship?
    Through the People & Organisational Development (POD) website and a POD team member.
     
  4. What have you gained from your Apprenticeship – skills, experience etc.?
    Deep listening, incisive questions, effective team meetings, enhanced Intuition…
     
  5. What has been your proudest moment so far from doing your Apprenticeship?
    I have supported numerous coachees from different backgrounds on a wide range of topics. It’s so rewarding to be part of journey and witnessing their transformative growth after some coaching sessions. For example, a director on exploring and defining their professional identity; a professor on preparing a difficult conversation; a researcher on time management and refining on their research area; a project manager on determining their core values and thus deciding their next career move; a charity sector programme manager on finding her authenticity; a mid-life professional rediscover and rebalance their life priorities; and many more.
     
  6. Any future plans after the apprenticeship?
    I plan to offer coaching sessions to the University colleagues for free as part of my current part time job, and also potentially get some paid sessions outside my work. Within two years of coaching practice, I hope to further develop my knowledge and skills through a CPD course, e.g. Level 7 in Coaching, or a master degree.
     
  7. What advice would you give someone who might be thinking about Apprenticeship-based training to progress their career?
    It’s totally worth all the time and effort. And you will get so much more in return - knowledge, skills, satisfaction, mental stimulation, self-confidence, and yes, some extra late night and weekend studying/reading too. So, good time management, perseverance and self-discipline are essential to the completion of the training. Just do it!
     
  8. What advice would you give a manager who is considering Apprenticeship-based training for their employee?
    Please offer full support to your team members from the application to the completion of the course. You will gain a more self-assured, confident, skilled team player, backed by a team of experts, which shall also cause a positive butterfly effect to the whole work environment. Just do it!

BACK TO CASE STUDIES

Find out more

APPRENTICESHIPS FOR EMPLOYEES

POPULAR COURSES

 

Contact us

Apprenticeships Team

E: apprenticeships@admin.ox.ac.uk

 

Popular links