Becoming a Sales Professional: An Apprentice’s Diary
Hi, I’m Maria Deben Amparan.
If someone had told me two years ago that I’d be writing a National Apprenticeship Week article, managing a sales pipeline, speaking on panels, and being part of a leadership board… I would’ve laughed and looked at them like “¿En serio?”, and gone back to my coffee.
But here we are.
And honestly? I’m proud of this version of me.
This past year of my apprenticeship has been full of surprises, growth, funny moments, challenges, and a lot of internal “Maria, breathe… you’ve got this.”
How it started vs. how it’s going
When I started my apprenticeship, I didn’t know what to expect.
Sales sounded exciting, scary, and a little bit like jumping into cold water: shocking at first but refreshing once you get used to it.
I learned by doing.
I learned by asking.
I learned by trying, failing, trying again, and then laughing at myself because… well, that’s life.
And somewhere in the middle of all that, I realised: I actually love this.
My highlights (aka “things I still can’t believe happened”)
This year has been a mix of “wow,” “wait, what,” and “is this really me?” lots of moments where you stop, smile, and think: “Mira, Maria… look how far you’ve come.”
- I was interviewed by ISP for National Apprenticeship Week 2025: My first real moment of visibility, and I still feel that spark every time I remember it. It’s available to watch on Spotify and Youtube.
- I earned the ISP Sales Expert Certificate and yes, I absolutely smile every time I see it.
- I received excellent quarterly, half-year, and year-end reviews, results that came from discipline, courage, and many early mornings.
- My apprenticeship training provider reviews were also outstanding, which is a reminder that hard work does speak for itself.
- My Learning Coach told me I’d set a new benchmark for future students, a moment that made me stand taller and trust even more in my ability to face, adapt, and grow through every challenge.
- I joined ISP NextGen and now sit on the Leadership Board, a natural next step in my journey and a responsibility I embrace with pride.
- I created my ISP blog series, “Becoming a Salesperson: An Apprentice’s Diary,” a space where I share my experience with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. Check out a previous blog post: Small habits, big impact: How I learned to own my time in sales
- I spoke on an ISP panel about personal brand, sharing my journey with honesty, courage, and genuine conviction.
- I managed my sales pipeline end‑to‑end, hit KPIs, exceeded targets, and discovered how naturally I connect with the rhythm of sales.
- I supported colleagues, collaborated across the business, and learned from generous people while giving the same energy back.
- And now… I’m preparing for my apprenticeship EPA with focus, excitement, and strong determination.
It’s been a year of stretching, evolving, and becoming the strongest version of myself. A year full of those moments where I paused and thought: “Wow… Maria, you really did that.”
If this year has taught me anything, it’s this: with any challenge, you just need to understand it, prepare for it, plan your approach, face it with your best performance, and then reflect, and that’s how you grow, every single time.
I move forward with that mindset, with confidence, purpose, and the certainty that whatever comes next, I’m ready for it.
A big thank you (from the bottom of my heart)
No journey is ever solo and mine definitely hasn’t been.
- To Simon Topley (RMG): Thank you for being a manager who truly brings out the best in me. You challenge me with honesty, support my growth with real care, and walk beside me in a way that strengthens the confidence, talent, and resilience I already carry. I appreciate your guidance, your humanity, and the way you help me stretch into the next version of myself.
- To Billy Murphy, Dilwar Ahmed and Andy Kay (RMG): Thank you for being there for me, for sharing your experiences, your support, and working and learning alongside you has made this journey richer, lighter, and full of moments that I’ll always carry with me. I’m grateful to each of you.
- To Nikki Hardy (RMG): Thank you for being the coach and operations manager who guided me from my very first steps. Your support, clarity, and steady leadership have shaped so much of my journey. You’ve always been there with guidance, advice, and encouragement, helping me understand the path ahead and giving me the confidence to walk it. I’m grateful for the way you teach, the way you support, and the way you keep me focused and moving forward.
- To Mark Brooks (Mercuri): For helping me grow, encouraging me, guiding me, singing, and making me laugh… a lot. Your positivity makes the journey lighter.
- To Donald Sisson (RMG): An exceptional coach who always asks the “why.” The kind of coach who makes you reflect deeply, understand yourself better, and overcome any obstacle or fear.
- To Farzana (RMG): It has been a pleasure to have you with us. Your positive attitude, organisation, and constant willingness to help make a real difference. You’ve been a great support to me, and I truly appreciate everything you do.
- To Andrew (ISP): Thank you for the incredible opportunities for visibility and growth. You are one of those rare people who not only believe in others but support them with real actions. I will always be grateful.
- To Guy and Jo (ISP): Thank you for your support and encouragement. It’s a pleasure to work with you and learn from you.
- To my colleagues and fellow apprentices (RMG): Thank you for guiding me, supporting me, and for making me laugh on the days I needed it most. You’ve all been part of my becoming.
What’s next?
- Succeeding in my EPA
- Securing my next role
- More learning
- More growing
- More trying
- More laughing at myself
- More becoming
I’m excited for what comes next, in whatever shape it arrives.
Before I finish, I want to leave a little piece of my journey for anyone who’s just starting theirs:
“Don’t give up. Try, be brave, stay resilient, ignore discouragement, believe in yourself, and do good for others along the way, that’s how you become.”