School leaver
Slough

I knew I wanted a career that would be intellectually challenging, varied and financially rewarding, and had decided that either becoming a lawyer or an accountant would probably fit the bill. So I applied to study law at various universities, thinking this would be a good starting point for either profession. I was offered places at the universities I'd applied for, including Oxford University. But then I saw a poster advertising a position for a trainee tax adviser at Grant Thornton that convinced me to turn down Oxford and take a different path to my career of choice. Once I'd done some research and been to an open evening I realised that, for me, this was the perfect opportunity. Basically, it was exactly the sort of job I was hoping to get after university – but I was being offered it straight out of school. Since accepting the job, I've trained alongside graduate trainees, some with degrees in accountancy, and have not been disadvantaged, or seen as being more junior in any way. The office has also been very supportive and allowed me to tailor my own route to qualification as an accountant and tax specialist. As well as the obvious benefits of being able to 'earn while you learn' I've enjoyed working as part of a great team and taking responsibility for my own portfolio of clients from early on. I’m looking forward to carrying on with a rewarding career as a tax specialist in a firm that provides excellent advice to its clients and encourages a great work life balance for its employees.

Q: What's the best bit of advice you've received?
A: Make up your own mind - don't just follow the crowd.

Q: What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received while working at Grant Thornton?
A: Go down the pub and get to know your team.

Q: What is the best bit of advice you have given a client while working at Grant Thornton?
A: Too complex to answer here! But it involved some specific share issues to reduce the potential rate of tax on a large payment from 50% to 10%.

Q:What is the best bit of advice you would give someone looking to join Grant Thornton?
A: Be yourself, we need people who can become independently minded experts - not corporate suits.