November 14, 2015

Live. Learn. Earn with KPMG

Want to work in a corporate business but undecided about whether going to university is really for you?

KPMG have some great School and College Leaver opportunities now available.

Read Anna’s story to find out more about her KPMG journey so far.

Throughout my last two years of school my life revolved around getting ready to go to university. It was what I had planned my whole life and worked endlessly for. I sent my application, received offers, accepted my offer and sorted out accommodation.

Yet, it’s been nearly a year since I accepted my offer and I’m sitting in a KPMG office having never stepped inside a lecture hall, and I couldn’t be happier.

So why the big change?

Once my application to university was sent and my offer was accepted I finally had time to think. I realised something – I really disliked constantly writing essays and learning practical skills out of a textbook. So I started researching different options, looking to see if there was any way I could still be an accountant but without a degree. Many firms offer this route but none of them jumped out to me. None of them allowed me to have a full rounded experience of Tax, Audit and Advisory. I accepted I’d have to endure more constant text book reading… and then on that same day I received an e-mail from KPMG promoting their new KPMG360° programme.

Some might say fate, some might just say lucky timing but whatever it was I knew it was a sign. I clicked on the link for more information and realised this was the apprenticeship for me. It would allow me to have a full rounded experience of all the services KPMG had to offer and gain knowledge in a wide variety of different areas in accounting. I knew, with this apprenticeship, it wouldn’t matter I didn’t have a degree later on in life because instead I’d have 3 years of on the job experience, in which I’d learn how to communicate with the type of clients that the ‘Big 4’ attract. Then by the end of the apprenticeship I’ll have 6 years’ experience of work and be a qualified accountant and ready to be promoted to Assistant Manager.

I’ve now been on the apprenticeship for two months and I’ve never been so pleased I diverted from the path I thought was so perfect for me. In just two months I’ve sat-in on client calls, drafted e-mails for clients and met some of the most welcoming people. I’m continually given challenging work in order to make a positive contribution to my team and learning new technical knowledge every day. During my induction week I was equipped with all the information I needed to feel comfortable going into my first day in the office, for example knowing what to wear, how to be professional in the work place and how to use the phone and laptop provided to me. During this week I also had the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the U.K.

Despite only being two months in to the job I know I made the right choice and there’s not been a day I regret withdrawing my university offer.

Anna Brown – Glasgow office KPMG360° apprentice.

To find out more about the school leaver and graduate opportunities at KPMG Click here

Audit Programme for School Leavers