Back to Uni- Two accountancy & finance students share their thoughts.

It’s September which can only mean one thing- the new beginning of another university year. The dust (sand) from the summer has settled, course books have been purchased and people have been reacquainted through the usual fresher's weeks antics.

For this week’s blog we thought we would talk to two budding future accountants, Ciaran & Jessica, to get their perspective on their subject choices and international career prospects.

Jessica has just started her 2^nd year as an accountancy and finance student, whilst Ciaran is about to embark on his final year at university. So how do their views differ?
 

What made you want to choose to study accountancy & finance?

Jessica: I studied Accounting in 5th year at school and I found it really interesting, so it was a no-brainer when choosing what to study at university.

Ciaran: I didn’t really know what I wanted to do to begin with, I just knew accountancy & finance was a solid investment as a subject with a clear career path.

Did international opportunities in the future impact your university or subject choice?

Jessica: International opportunities are easily available and regularly suggested at university, so I am glad that I have the option to go abroad if I wish to do so in the future. However, this didn't have a great influence on my decision on where I chose to study.

Ciaran: My university has a lot of international ties so that did definitely impact my choice. When I chose accountancy & finance I did so knowing that it was a universal subject that could be very useful for a career at home or abroad.

Which country would you most like to work in and why?

Jessica: I would love to work in London and to experience the fast-paced life of an accountant living in the City. I've been down to visit a few friends there already and love the place!

Ciaran: Most of the people I know who’ve left to go abroad have recommended Australia or New Zealand, so I’d probably go out there to travel for a year after I’ve finished with my degree, then see what I think.

 

Would you like to specialise in any particular sector and why?

Jessica: Luckily I'm only starting second year so have plenty of time to still decide what I want to specialise in.

Ciaran: I’m doing my dissertation in Corporate Financing the areas it covers really interest me, so hopefully I'll be able to find a job in that field after I graduate/become qualified.

What companies/company would you like to work for and why?

 Jessica: I would love to work for one of the Big 4 because they have offices all over the world allowing for lots of travelling opportunities. They seem like great companies to work for with a big variety of people from different backgrounds.

Ciaran: I’m quite keen to run my own business one day, but before that I would love to get the chance to work for one of top ten firms and learn from some the best. My best mate works for Mazars UK and is really enjoying it there.

Do you know any other accountants that have been overseas and if so, what was their experience?

 Jessica: Yes, I know someone who travelled to Italy and lived there for two years while working as an accountant. He had a great time as he was able to learn some Italian and loved the culture there.

Ciaran: Most accountants that I know tend to stay in the UK but after the whole Brexit result people have started to consider other options.

What do you think would be the biggest challenge in an international move?

Jessica: I think the biggest challenge would be overcoming an language barriers or trying to fit in to the local culture.

Ciaran: Biggest challenge would be leaving friends and family behind. It’s easier these days with Skype and WhatsApp but it could still be tough when you need support.

What would be the most exciting thing about an international move?

Jessica: For me, the most exciting thing would be making connections and becoming friends with lots of people in a different country. Also being able to possibly speak a different language and communicate with the locals would be an amazing skill to pick up as you work.

Ciaran: Getting to test yourself in a different environment and that buzz of arriving somewhere new, where you don’t know anyone. I would say I'm quite confident so would revel in the opportunity to move abroad.

From all of us here at Think Global Recruitment we would like to wish Ciaran and Jessica the best of luck with the year ahead, we know they'll do great!

 

NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

ABIGAIL'S AUSTRALASIA  TOUR - MARCH 2013

COUNTRY 1 – NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

Awesome New Zealand!   Thanks to typical Kiwi hospitality, my journey started in the modern harbor  City of Auckland.  Within an hour of landing I was boarding a boat to go across to Rangitoto Island  – an extinct volcano with a fantastic view of Auckland.  The boat journey itself was great, with a panoramic view of the city, in the sun.  However, running up then down the volcano was a lovely way to stretch the legs after a long flight.  After which we had a BBQ on the boat, before heading back into Auckland. 

                   View from Boat back at Auckland

The next day I was in a string of meetings with potential employers of accountants.   There are a number of varied really interesting opportunities across New Zealand.   The thing that stood out the most when speaking with employers was that they are very enthusiastic about how the companies they work for look after them.  Companies appear to concentrate on a work life balance, through to providing fruit for staff and a large number of social events.

Another consistent theme seems to be that all the businesses are based in lovely, modern buildings, with good views of the lovely city and its harbor.  I could imagine myself having lunch breaks on the harbour before returned for an afternoon’s work, leaving at a reasonable hour and then off to the gym.

I then headed down to Wellington.  The capital city, also with a lovely waterfront.  Home to the government, most work opportunities there will be either working for the government or providing a service to it.  

However, instead of being a ‘stuffy’ capital, the city has an air of cosmopolitan about it.  Excellent restaurants from Waterfront Sea food and wine bars to trendy funky Mexican to American breakfast diners. 

Wellington is a very hilly city.  It reminds me of Cape Town for the mountains that surround it and of Chicago because it is such a windy city.  However, you don’t have to run up the hills, as I did, you can even take a tram to the top to get the view’s.  

From Wellington I took a ferry across to Picton on the South Island .  Now I am sure you are getting the theme, but yes, I did take place in a run around Picton.  What better way to see all these great places.  Picton has the feel of a small sleepy town.  It is pretty and a great gateway to the wonders of this fun filled beautiful island.

   View from Ferry between North and South Island

The rest of my trip consisted of visiting more remote old fashioned hotels, to walking through forests to the lovely pretty town of Nelson, with its stunning long beaches.  Previous trips have included flying in small planes over the stunning Lord of the Rings type scenery, river surfing down the rapids in Roturua, climbing a volcano near Lake Tapo and watching crazy people bungy jumping against the most scenic backdrops.   There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country, I could go on forever!  

Why wouldn't you want to live and work there?