Emily

AAT Trainee - Northampton Emily is one of our new AAT recruits; she was a very strong impressive candidate throughout our recruitment process. We are delighted that she has chosen to join our dynamic team in Northampton, to train as an accountant. Emily came to our Northampton office for a week's work-shadowing in August 2002. This work experience encouraged Emily to follow her chosen career in accountancy and she joined us in August 2003 as an AAT trainee. Emily is 18 years old and she was educated at the Northampton High School, achieving 9 grade A's and 1 Grade B in GCSE's. Emily's previous work experience includes Collingtree Park Golf Club, Marriott Hotel, Hilton Hotel and Collingtree Park Residential Home. Emily's interests include playing the piano, going to the gym and other Fitness Classes. "When I first started I was greeted warmly by everyone, all the staff were friendly and made me feel so welcome. On joining the firm, I was assigned three mentors; one audit manager and the other two audit seniors. This has proven to be extremely useful as I can talk to my audit senior mentors for day to day help with anything and the manager for more formal and important matters. All my mentors have provided me with a lot of support and guidance. One day a week I go to college and study for my AAT intermediate qualification. This provides a break from work and I can learn the theory side of accountancy. AAT intermediate is a good choice to start with because it is not as intensive as ACA (Chartered Accountancy qualification). Every week I spend around 3-4 hours doing homework which I spread over a couple of days. Even though it's only been four months since I joined MH, it feels like I have been here much longer. I am a valid member of the firm and feel part of the team. I have also gained so much experience in both accountancy and auditing. Apart from obtaining academic knowledge I have developed as a person. I am more aware of current affairs and have a more matured outlook to life. Not for one moment do I regret not going to university. I would definitely recommend more people start a career straight from A-Levels. I will qualify earlier than someone my age that went to university and I will have more years of experience under my belt. The added bonus is that I am earning money and not getting myself into student debt. I am very happy in the choice I made."