Milton Keynes
Secondment in New Zealand
@GT_Tasha

I didn’t really find anything I wanted to study at university. Knowing I wanted to go into accountancy, I researched school leaver programmes. I was drawn to Grant Thornton’s programme because it’s quite a young, social firm, which I liked. I realised I had to be willing to learn and take initiative. I think you have to be quite outgoing, good at adapting to situations, happy to talk to people and ready to take initiative as soon as you start. I was 18 when I started, but I didn’t feel any age gap.  As soon as you start work you forget how old you are! I did three and a half years of exams – 14 in total, to make up the ACCA qualification, a more gradual training progression, which is the only real difference in the programme to the graduates, who do the ACA. I also did three years of work experience, which is real life work and very hands-on. You’re client facing from very early on, again like the graduates, and it’s definitely a steep learning curve. I’ve been here for four years now, and am currently on secondment in New Zealand for three months, working in our Wellington office.

Q: What is the best bit of advice you’ve received?
A: Take risks and have no regrets.

Q: What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received while working at Grant Thornton?
A: No question is a stupid question.

Q: What’s the best bit of advice you’ve given a client while working at Grant Thornton?
A: Don't bet all your earnings on the All Blacks winning at the rugby.

Q: What is the best bit of advice you would give someone looking to join Grant Thornton?
A: Always make it count and never quit.