Accountancy graduates must be strategic in the ‘milk round’ process to secure training places, according to a leading Northern Ireland accountancy and business advisory firm.
BDO audit director Laura Jackson, who plays a key role in the selection of the firm’s graduate intake, warned that candidates should not approach this recruitment process as a last minute exercise.
“The biggest mistake that people can make is not focussing on their employment potential throughout their degree course,” she said.
“Whilst the main priority is to succeed in the overall degree, it is important to give some thought to selection of subject modules. Students should determine the entry requirements set down by the professional bodies and understand what exemptions are available in relation to the professional post graduate exams.
“It is of course natural to want to select subjects that you enjoy most or ones that you are particularly good at but these may not give you the optimum exemptions at a later stage. Following the correct pathway of modules can mean more exemptions from professional exams and expedite the route to achieving the final professional qualification.
“Relevant work experience can be a clear advantage. Firms do like to see some evidence that the candidate has researched their target career and what better way to do this than to secure some work experience in an accountancy office.
“Not only does it display an interest and enthusiasm for the profession but it also means they will have a better understanding as to what firms are looking for.”
Access to experience in commerce or industry was another aspect she said graduates could use improve their chance of selection, with scholarships being a useful tool through which to access commercial experience.
She also advised that graduates should chose firms whose culture was right for them.
“Each firm has a unique culture. People approaching the profession will have an anecdotal impression of what each offers. Graduates should try and imagine themselves within each firm and honestly ask themselves questions like ‘Would I fit in?’” said Laura.
“The milk-round is still six months away, but focussing on it now gives candidates the opportunity to tweak CVs or gain that bit of extra experience that might be the difference in success or failure.”
Accountancy graduates must be strategic in the ‘milk round’ process to secure training places, according to a leading Northern Ireland accountancy and business advisory firm.
BDO audit director Laura Jackson, who plays a key role in the selection of the firm’s graduate intake, warned that candidates should not approach this recruitment process as a last minute exercise.
“The biggest mistake that people can make is not focussing on their employment potential throughout their degree course,” she said.
“Whilst the main priority is to succeed in the overall degree, it is important to give some thought to selection of subject modules. Students should determine the entry requirements set down by the professional bodies and understand what exemptions are available in relation to the professional post graduate exams.
“It is of course natural to want to select subjects that you enjoy most or ones that you are particularly good at but these may not give you the optimum exemptions at a later stage. Following the correct pathway of modules can mean more exemptions from professional exams and expedite the route to achieving the final professional qualification.
“Relevant work experience can be a clear advantage. Firms do like to see some evidence that the candidate has researched their target career and what better way to do this than to secure some work experience in an accountancy office.
“Not only does it display an interest and enthusiasm for the profession but it also means they will have a better understanding as to what firms are looking for.”
Access to experience in commerce or industry was another aspect she said graduates could use improve their chance of selection, with scholarships being a useful tool through which to access commercial experience.
She also advised that graduates should chose firms whose culture was right for them.
“Each firm has a unique culture. People approaching the profession will have an anecdotal impression of what each offers. Graduates should try and imagine themselves within each firm and honestly ask themselves questions like ‘Would I fit in?’” said Laura.
“The milk-round is still six months away, but focussing on it now gives candidates the opportunity to tweak CVs or gain that bit of extra experience that might be the difference in success or failure.”