"THG’s fast-paced, vibrant environment felt similar to the energy I experienced in theatre, and the programme offered me the chance to learn and retrain without having to return to education."

Starting an apprenticeship after university isn’t the always the traditional path, but for Havana, it was the perfect choice. With a background in Acting, she wanted to combine her communication and creativity skills to pursue a career in marketing.

Read on to discover how her apprenticeship has helped her develop skills in managing partnerships and some of THG’s biggest eCommerce sites.

Hi, I'm Havana! I am a digital marketing apprentice working within THG Media Solutions at THG Ingenuity. At THG Media Solutions, we focus on all things related to third-party partnerships. We activate campaigns across THG sites, including Lookfantastic and Myprotein, spanning various channels such as onsite placements, events, and data monetisation. I’ve been part of the team for a year, and some of our key partnerships include HelloFresh, Amazon Music, and Estrid. My career goal is to become a talent manager, so managing partnerships with these brands is definitely a step in the right direction!

What’s unique about my story is that I’ve already graduated from university, but I decided to retrain as an apprentice within THG. I studied Acting at university, but after graduating, I realised I wanted to pursue a career in marketing—combining the communication and creativity I loved about acting with a more practical and structured job. When I discovered   this apprenticeship at THG, I knew it was the perfect fit. THG’s fast-paced, vibrant environment felt similar to the energy I experienced in theatre, and the programme offered me the chance to learn and retrain without having to return to education. While I loved my university experience, this apprenticeship has helped me grow in ways I could never have imagined.

One of the best things about THG is that you are never alone. My team is made up of people who all started through early career schemes, whether as interns or graduates. Early careers are the beating heart of THG, and apprentices are at the forefront of that.

My day-to-day responsibilities include managing third-party campaigns, speaking to some of my favourite brands, and overseeing the relationship between my team and THG’s biggest e-commerce sites—all while keeping up with my apprenticeship work. Some of my favourite partnerships I’ve worked on include Amazon Music x Lookfantastic, Wild x Myprotein, and Freesoul x Cult Beauty.

Another highlight of my apprenticeship has been joining the Ambassador Network programme. This is an opportunity for early careers employees to apply to join networks with specific focuses. I’m lucky enough to be involved in two!

Within the Community Network, I managed the relationship between THG and Prevent Breast Cancer, coordinating early careers members to volunteer at the charity’s shop in Wythenshawe Hospital. At the end of 2024, I joined the Events Network, where we are responsible for hosting events and socials for early careers. These networks give you the chance to socialise with your colleagues and learn even more about the ins and outs of THG.

My advice to anyone exploring the next steps in their career is to understand that you have choices. I’ve been fortunate to experience both university and an apprenticeship, but I wish at 18 years old I’d known more about the value of work experience at a company like THG and how it can shape your future.

For anyone starting at THG as an apprentice, I’d say: ask questions and take control of your time here. These years are an opportunity for you to learn as much as you can about business. Oh, and just so you know—THG apprentices also get free lunch!