School leaver
Milton Keynes

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after school and I didn't really fancy university, but didn't know what other options I had. I applied to do a degree, but realised that after graduating it would take me another three years to qualify. I decided that I would prefer to start earning money straight away and take the shorter more direct route. I applied to Grant Thornton after reading about the firm in the Times Top 100 Employers guide and I now am studying for the ACCA exams. I really enjoy the variation in the work – I do a lot of travelling to different clients and I am constantly having meetings with lots of different people in all sorts of industries. The only difference that I have noticed is that a school leaver is based in the office a little bit more after starting with the firm, because of when the training dates fall. I love the fact that I’ll qualify much sooner than those who took the university route. Plus there is also no need to move away from home and I have no debt. And it’s not just the work that is a benefit. My office is young and vibrant, and holds lots of social events and I can still see my friends who are at university on the weekends, so I don't feel like I am missing out.

Q: What's the best bit of advice you've received?
A: Getting the right work/life balance makes such a difference.

Q: What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received while working at Grant Thornton?
A: It's better to ask early ie when you are expected to know nothing. 

Q: What is the best bit of advice you have given a client while working at Grant Thornton?
A: Don't worry, I am still human as well as an auditor, you can tell me if you're not sure about something and we can work it out over a bag of Minstrels.

Q: What is the best bit of advice you would give someone looking to join Grant Thornton?
A: Take every opportunity you get, as every piece of experience builds you as a person and opens even more doors in the future.