Uni or apprenticeship

Hi, I am in a bit of sticky situation and will appreciate advice from people who are at uni/done apprenticeships.
Part of me wants to go to uni to study linguistics- it’s something i’m passionate about and enjoy. However, i’m not sure if I want any of the typical careers that are in linguistics, such as being a teacher, and I think at the end i will just join a graduate scheme for things like human resources or finance etc. I’d only really like to go to uni for the opportunities to go abroad (i’ve always wanted to study in Germany,) and for the internship opportunities. also means i won’t be thrown into a 9-5 straight away.
The other part of me was considering a business admin level 3 apprenticeship with either the civil service or local council, and work my way up to HR. My only concern with this is that I don’t want to be thrown straight into a 9-5 from the age of 19 and want to have some time to travel first.
Uni gives me travel opportunities and work experience opportunities, whereas an apprenticeship gives me valuable experience to start a career.
Has anyone gone to uni and then done a grad scheme completely unrelated to their degree? or has anyone does a business apprenticeship?
thanks!

I’ll tell you my situation. I’m taking gap year and I’ve always wanted to do an apprenticeship so that’s what I’m applying for but I am applying to uni in case I don’t get in since it’s so competitive. I recommend you apply to both to and in august you can chose what you want. Idk what careers you can do with linguistic but considering the job market is **** and my sister who has a masters in accounting can’t find a job I imagine it will be difficult for linguistics compared to apprenticeship where you’re guaranteed a job and a good high paying salaries job. I know you said you’ll do a graduate scheme but even with that it can still be difficult. I know you should follow your dream and go to uni if you really want to learn but at the end of it you want to make sure you have money to survive. There’s lots of apprenticeships where you have the ability to travel like project management and others you just need to research. You can also take a gap year and travel in that year, take a 2 year gap year. I think you should apply to both because university will always be there even if you’re 40 so no need to rush. So apply to both, I’m assuming you’re in year 13 you don’t need to decide anything until results day so if you’ve applied to both and later on the year you change your mind then it’s no issue. I know I’m not at uni or apprenticeship yet but hope that helps.

thank you! that’s really helpful. I actually done my a-levels in 2023 and i’m currently at the start of my second gal year, that’s why i feel like im in a rush! but you’re so right about uni always being there. I do think an apprenticeship might be the way forward. I also don’t know if i’d cope well with the heavy work load of uni, especially knowing i’m not guaranteed a job at the end. good luck with whatever you choose to do!