Graduate Opportunities

University attended: University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Mike is in the final year of his undergraduate degree. He has undertaken vacation work with Grant Thornton, a leading international accounting firm, and is a student member of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (Finsia).

What were some of your vacation work responsibilities?

Responsibilities ranged widely as I was rotated through different departments in Grant Thornton. I helped clients set up their businesses and supported various client needs. I was also responsible for finalising tax returns and tax issues of the client as well as preparing statements of advice. Within insolvency I was responsible for the distribution of voluntary administration and receivership letters to clients.

What are some of the benefits of undertaking work experience?

You get an excellent idea of whether you would like to pursue such a career in the field you have taken work experience in. Also, you gain an insight into the business that you would not have learned at university. Finally, undertaking work experience boosts your confidence and skill set so that when you do finish your studies and would like to undertake full-time employment, it will definitely help your résumé and experience.

You found your vacation work through your volunteer role with the UNSW Business Society. How else has this association assisted your career progression?

The people I meet within the society and corporate professionals who I have to liaise with help me in building my professional network. I believe a large part of career progression is networking and knowing the right people.

What encouraged you to become a student member of Finsia?

I was actually awarded free Finsia membership through my previous efforts in the UNSW Business Society. I applied and was chosen by Finsia to receive membership along with a professional mentoring program ... Networking is the most important part of being a member of professional association, especially for students. Through Finsia’s mentoring program I was able to meet Steve, my professional mentor from Financial Index Australia, who gave me invaluable advice on my career progression and the soft skills required in the industry.

What’s the best career advice you would offer to others?

Choose a career that you know you will enjoy; don’t follow a path because it is well remunerated or someone you know works in that industry and says it’s easy. It is totally in your hands – your life, your career – what you do with it is your own choice.