Gen Z Unfiltered: After the reflection – what changes when trust replaces training

Hi again, Ellie here. When I last had the privilege of writing this, I was in reflection mode as we said goodbye to 2025. As you may remember, I’d completed my apprenticeship, evaluated my challenges and wins, and landed somewhere between pride and uncertainty. I knew I’d grown, but wasn’t sure what came next. And the hard truth is that I still don’t.

Two months on, I’ve realised the shift from being an apprentice to a fully fleshed-out Account Executive isn’t loud or obvious. It’s actually quite the opposite, which was a helpful reminder not to place too many expectations on what the future should look like. No, it didn’t come with a new title or a sudden moment of clarity. It showed up quietly, as my role began to change around me.

Ownership

Right now, I’d say the biggest difference is my ownership (a word that means a lot). And I don’t mean ownership in terms of doing more for the sake of it – especially when coming back to work after the festive period can feel like watching wet paint dry. I mean being trusted with more, both internally and externally.

Specifically, I’ve noticed that tasks aren’t simply passed over; they’re shaped more collaboratively. I’m given space to run with ideas, see things through, and understand the impact of my work beyond the output. A great achievement for me, as someone who didn’t know what an Account Executive was back in 2024.

Time

With trust built from ownership, time comes – something equally as important. Taking the time to learn properly, sit with feedback, think, and not just react. Looking back to when my apprenticeship was coming to an end, learning felt fast and reactive. With the multiple deadlines I had to meet alongside agency work, I had the mindset of: absorb everything, keep up, don’t fall behind. Now, it feels far more intentional.

By trying to be more proactive (a New Year’s resolution of mine), through reading or listening to industry-focused content, I’m encouraged to ask better questions, explore the deeper reasons behind decisions, and build confidence in my judgement rather than my delivery.

A noticeable shift

There’s also been a noticeable shift since completing my apprenticeship in how my role fits into the wider picture. Internally, I have more visibility across teams and processes. Externally, I’m starting to understand what it really means to represent True – how communication, preparation, and consistency all help shape trust with stakeholders.

It’s no longer just about doing the task well; it’s about the responsibility that sits around it, which has interestingly changed how I think about learning altogether.

Earlier in my journey, progress felt tied to milestones – completing the apprenticeship, hitting my one-year mark, and ticking off “firsts”. Now, progress feels more subtle: noticing when I’m less hesitant to speak up, when feedback feels constructive rather than daunting, and when I stop waiting for permission and start taking initiative naturally.

Learning to trust

One thing that hasn’t changed is the industry conversation around AI. It hasn’t slowed down; it’s accelerated. Regardless, my perspective has stayed the same. I’m more focused on understanding where human thinking adds value than on keeping up with every new tool. My confidence comes from knowing that adaptability isn’t just about speed – it’s about judgement.

Being part of a generation often framed as “digital-first” doesn’t entirely align with what I’m experiencing now, which feels more like integration. It’s less about proving I belong, and more about making meaningful contributions in the room I’m already in.

And no, I still don’t have everything figured out – I don’t think that ever really changes. But what has changed is how I see myself within my role. I’m no longer measuring progress against where I think I should be, because everyone is on their own journey. Instead, I’m measuring it against how much more confident, capable, and curious I’ve become.

If you’re in a similar position to me, I believe there’s a quiet shift no one really talks about. But I can assure you: when trust replaces training, growth stops being something you chase and becomes something you notice – almost by accident.

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and were submitted in accordance with the IPA terms and conditions regarding the uploading and contribution of content to the IPA newsletters, IPA website, or other IPA media, and should not be interpreted as representing the opinion of the IPA.