Where Do I Start With A Career in Accounting?

By , 26 January 2024

Want to make your break in the accounting industry? We’re here with some expert advice to help jumpstart your exciting new career in the world of finance. Thanks Tom Bilby

First things first, it’s crucial to make sure you’ve got all the skills you’re going to need to succeed. It’s not all about number crunching and spreadsheet mastery – as an accountant, you’re also going to rely on:

• Attention to detail
• Fact-checking
• An ability to multitask
• Staying calm as deadlines approach
• Communication skills

Sounds a lot like doing a degree, doesn’t it? You don’t actually need a degree to be an accountant, and lots of firms will provide training programmes to help you get started whilst you study for your accounting qualifications. Those that do have a degree from a huge variety of backgrounds, studying a wide range of topics (so it’s not all just about maths).

Should I work in industry or practice?

There are lots of options available to you, but in very broad terms accountants will work either in industry, or in an accounting practice. Starting out in one doesn’t mean you can’t swap – lots of people do – it’s simply a question of what you prefer.

Basically, the main difference comes down to where you work, how you work and (the big one) how much you’re paid – but there are some other specifics to know about.

What it means to work in industry

Working ‘in industry’ as an accountant will see you work as part of an in-house finance team, employed within a business. In smaller businesses, an in-house accountant will often make up the entire finance department.

The main benefits of working in industry are:

• Focusing time and energy on one business, which is (usually) far less complicated than juggling several clients.
• If you want to specialise in a particular industry, business type, or business size, working in-house is a great way to go about it.
• You can learn a lot about how finance and accounting impact the wider business and the commercial impact of your role.

Potential downsides to consider include a lack of day-to-day variety and less diverse experience.

Typically, earnings tend to be higher for those working in industry but on the other hand, trends show that work-life balance is better amongst those in practice.

What it means to work in practice

When you work in practice, you work for an accountancy firm, managing multiple client accounts at once. This means the variety of accounts you work on will be far more diverse than simply working in-house for one business.

The benefits of this are:

• Experience working with a range of different sectors and business sizes
• Chance to practice and more varied wider technical skills
• Meeting more people and making more connections

One possible downside is that juggling such varied accounts can be complex and stressful at times.

Many accountants will try both industry and practice work during their careers. It’s all about finding the one that works best for you.

Getting work experience as an accountant

Work experience is a fantastic way to kickstart your accounting career as it allows you to get a feel for the industry and the demands of the role you’re pursuing. It will also help you build connections while you gain invaluable practical experience.

There are a number of ways to go about finding work experience opportunities as a burgeoning accountant, including:

• Reaching out to firms or businesses you’d like to work for
• Checking out what is being advertised on LinkedIn
• Going to career events hosted by accountancy firms
• Consider volunteer positions in startups or charities

If you struggle to find work experience or a job position in the exact role you’d like, don’t despair! Take a broader look at the industry and consider roles such as bookkeeper, auditor, accounting assistant, payroll, and administrative assistant. All of these are brilliant places to start gathering the kind of hands-on experience that will eventually lead you where you want to go.

Taking proactive steps like these are some of the best ways to get your foot in the door and propel your success as an accounting professional.

Article written by The Accountancy Partnership – Providing online accountancy services nationwide for a low, fixed monthly fee.

Get in touch: 

Career Connect Portal: Career Connect – Current students – Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk 

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs 

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs 

The NHS Advantage: Five Motivating Factors to Embrace a Career in Healthcare

By , 5 December 2023

This is a guest post by Rosemarie Gabinete Garganta from WikiJob – THANK YOU Rosemarie.

There are plenty of compelling reasons why international medical graduates (IMG) choose to pursue a career in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Healthcare professionals have the freedom to work anywhere around the globe and enjoy a fulfilling career, but why choose the NHS?

Considering their career opportunities worldwide, it is interesting how the NHS has managed to compel talented healthcare professionals to work for them. Established in the UK in 1948, the NHS was founded with the firm belief that good healthcare should be available to all – regardless of their wealth. As of April 2023, the NHS employs over 1.27 million full-time staff.

But why should you consider joining the NHS? Here are five reasons why pursuing an NHS career can be a stellar move:

Reason #1: Universal Healthcare

Only select countries offer universal healthcare. Fortunately, the UK is one of them. Healthcare professionals working in the NHS have the unique and fulfilling experience of being of service to a diverse spectrum of patients from all walks of life.

Moreover, IMGs working for the NHS are automatically exempted from the Immigration Health Surcharge. This privilege extends to their dependents.

Reason #2: Job Satisfaction

Working in the healthcare sector empowers individuals to impact and transform people’s lives positively. The NHS is rooted in universality, free access, central funding, and equitable distribution of healthcare resources. Thus, healthcare professionals employed in the NHS have the extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in many people’s lives.

Reason #3: Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

The UK is a proud multicultural society, and the NHS exemplifies diversity. The UK Parliament recently released a report revealing that one out of five staff in the NHS are not UK nationals. Nearly 20% of the NHS’s total workforce are of non-British nationalities. This diversity permits those employed in the NHS to work with talented professionals from around the globe.

Reason #4: Exceptional Care

The NHS is globally renowned for offering outstanding patient care and maintaining high medical standards. This institution prides itself in providing comprehensive healthcare services and equitable treatment for all patients.

A role in the NHS would demonstrate a person’s professionalism, skillset, and credibility. Working for the NHS can open many career opportunities in the medical field worldwide.

Reason #5: Generous Compensation

Working in the healthcare sector offers professionals plenty of perks, and according to the NHS website, the NHS offers its staff a fair and transparent pay structure with flexible and competitive benefits. Those employed in the NHS enjoy one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK.

Moreover, NHS employees have exclusive access to NHS discount schemes. Not only does the NHS provide excellent care to its patients, but the institution also ensures that its people are well cared for.

These are only five of the compelling reasons why pursuing a career in the NHS can be a fulfilling move. The NHS should be on your list if you’re looking for a world-class job opportunity.

This is a guest post by Rosemarie Gabinete Garganta from WikiJob.

To speak to one of our Career Advisors get in touch: 

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk 

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs 

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs 

5 Reasons to Consider a Job in Telecoms

By , 13 November 2023

Written by Klaudia Urbanska, Virgin Media O2

In a rapidly evolving world where communication and connectivity are at the core of our daily lives, the telecommunications industry beckons as a realm of opportunity. Whether you’re contemplating a career transition or just embarking on your professional journey, this industry offers a multitude of compelling reasons to explore. Here are the reasons to consider a career in telecoms, with fresh examples that illustrate its dynamic nature and far-reaching impact:

5 Reasons to Consider a Career in Telecoms:

1. Unleashing the Potential of 5G: Telecoms professionals are the architects of the 5G revolution, enabling blazing-fast wireless networks. Think about the immersive experiences augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can offer. Telecom engineers design the infrastructure and networks that make these experiences accessible to consumers, ushering in a new era of entertainment and communication.

• Cybersecurity Guardians: As the digital landscape expands, so does the importance of cybersecurity. Consider the critical role telecoms plays in protecting networks from cyber threats. Telecom professionals work tirelessly to develop robust security measures.

• Enabling Smart Cities: The concept of smart cities is rapidly gaining traction, and telecoms is at the heart of this transformation. Think about the implementation of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors that monitor air quality or manage traffic flow efficiently. Telecom experts design the networks that allow cities to collect and analyse data in real-time, enhancing the quality of urban life.

• Disaster Response and Resilience: Telecoms professionals play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts. Consider the aftermath of a natural disaster where communication is vital. Telecom experts deploy temporary networks and provide satellite communication solutions to connect affected communities with emergency services and loved ones, aiding in rescue and recovery efforts.

• Remote Work Revolution: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the remote work trend, and telecoms made it possible. Think about the millions of professionals worldwide who rely on high-speed internet connections and secure communication platforms to work from home. Telecoms experts ensure the reliability of these connections, empowering individuals to work remotely without disruptions.

Summary:

A career in telecoms is a gateway to pioneering technological revolutions, safeguarding digital landscapes, enabling smart cities, supporting disaster resilience, and championing remote work. These distinctive facets of the industry offer professionals a unique blend of innovation, social impact, and adaptability. So, if you’re seeking a career that marries technology, societal impact, and dynamic challenges, don’t hesitate to explore the multifaceted world of telecoms. Your path in this industry is an invitation to embark on an exciting journey that contributes to the ever-evolving landscape of global communication and connectivity.

Leading the charge in providing broadband solutions and cutting-edge communication services to households and businesses across the nation, companies like Virgin Media (https://www.virginmedia.com/broadband) and O2 (https://www.o2.co.uk/shop) actively seek fresh talent. Their unwavering commitment to empowering recent graduates makes them the ideal launchpad for your career.

Embark on an exciting journey into the dynamic world of telecommunications and help shape the future of communication! To explore graduate opportunities at Virgin Media in more detail, please visit our website(https://jobs.virginmediao2.co.uk/en_US/careersmarketplace).

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch: 

Career Connect Portal: Career Connect – Current students – Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk 

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs 

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs 

The Rantings of Career Professional: Why GradEX?

By , 23 May 2023

Written by Claire Bashford

If you’d allow me to offer you one piece of advice it would be to show up! Show up for yourself by being your own advocate, show up and give it your all, show up even if it scares you and show up being unapologetically your wonderful, unique self!

If opportunities arise where you can do all these things, be there with bells on! For those finishing your studies you might be dreaming of cutting loose, exhaling, and reaching the finish line, but don’t rush off without taking your place at GradEX.

GradEX is your chance to bask in the moment, celebrate and showcase your achievements and see where the connections you can make through this experience can take you. If Graduation is your time on the podium, and your time at university is the race; then GradEX is that moment after you’ve crossed the line, you’re punching the air, the cameras go off and all the possibilities of your achievement are ahead of you.

You can take part in GradEX online, and select schools take part ONLINE and IN-PERSON. Both offer you the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and graduate employers.

GradEX has truly been a game-changer for many students, with outstanding graduate job offers and work experience opportunities. But for all involved, it’s the chance to grow your professional network by making connections and articulate the skills and knowledge that you’ve gained throughout your time at university which is a crucial skill in itself.

The online portal, which is viewed worldwide and is shared with all university contacts, remains open throughout summer to maximise the window of opportunity. The on-campus festivities which include showcases, prizes, celebration events and prize giving’s are a real uplifting moment for all involved; be that students, staff, guests, employers, or family. We really are proud to see how far our students come, proud of the work they’ve produced, their achievements and the experiences they’ve had; but most of all, we are immensely proud of the fact that they grasped the opportunity and honoured their journey by showing up!

To find out more information about GradEX23 and how to take part visit www.staffs.ac.uk/gradex, the online GradEX23 portal opens on 2^nd May and closes 30^th May for student submissions. In person GradEX23 begins week commencing 5^th June.

GET in TOUCH ANYTIME: Staffordshire University (careercentre.me)

International Women’s Day

By , 8 March 2023

Written by Carolina Salinas (Head of Student and Graduate Employability, Career Connect, Staffordshire University)

Time to celebrate!

Happy International Women’s Day, celebrating the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world. From the trailblazers who have broken through glass ceilings to the everyday women who have made a difference in their communities, this day is about recognising and honouring the hard work of all women.

An opportunity for all of us -women and men- to celebrate how far we have come collectively in the equality struggle. We’ve seen a rise in women’s rights and a shift in gender norms that allow women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

It fills my heart the normality with which my twin nieces are exposed to women in professions traditionally ‘reserved’ for men – the police, bus and taxi drivers, astronauts and in sports, like our Lionesses.

However, there is still much work to be done. Women still face inequality and discrimination in many parts of the world. Women are still underrepresented in decision-making positions and in the workplace. They are still denied basic rights and opportunities that men have.

Role models:

In my experience role models are important, even if they are not enough, we need more policy, a louder voice and to continue to support each other in all spheres. Role models don’t have to be famous, perfect or put on a pedestal. The best role models are regular women, being their authentic selves every day, and standing for what they believe in.

Think of the amazing women you have around you, my grandma, Margarita, is one of my role models. She will be 103 in July, sweet but tenacious and always grounded and calm. She opened the first ever Cinema in her small village in Spain, in the 50s, with a little help from my grandad. They cleared a big garage and converted it into a cinema to entertain the village people with new colours, images and dreams. Against all predictions, the cinema became a success, so she opened a Bar next to it, again, with a little help from my grandad, so people in the cinema could get a snack and a cerveza in the break. Margarita hopefully influenced other women in her village to work, take action and explore their ideas. The best lessons I learnt from her are to treasure family, dream big, work hard and not care about what others think. I am still working on that last one!

Dreaming big even if you are scared:

This brings me into women’s careers and journeys. Like many in the Employability field, I am passionate about supporting others to grow and achieve their potential regardless of background. But most importantly I have a deep conviction that everything is possible with the right support.

I graduated from Law in University Autonoma in Madrid, years ago, I was a commuter student and lived at home, following the Spanish tradition. I wanted to be independent and come to the UK to work and improve my English (still polishing that one!). I was fortunate to get a European grant for a year placement in Reading, and let me tell you, I was scared, I didn’t know Reading, I didn’t know anyone, but I did it anyway.

This international placement, as scary and challenging as it was, it would go to shape the rest of my life. I found friends, my partner, a profession, and a country I love. But most important, it helped me to grow, to learn and to do things even if it felt scary, even if I felt different. It helped me to appreciate the importance of equality and inclusion, through policy and collective commitment, a concept that is less developed in other countries.

Seeking help:

I think this is critical. No matter what your dreams are and what obstacles you are facing, you have the power to change your life and, by doing so, you’ll change the world. But can’t do it alone.

So get a Mentor! Sorry to be boring and predictable here, but it works, formal or informal, someone you trust, who inspires you. Mentoring has been shown to be one of the most effective tools in helping women achieve professional and personal success. Mentoring can provide invaluable advice and help women break through the glass ceiling and reach their goals. I found that mentors can provide emotional support and guidance too, help with setting career goals, building confidence, and overcoming any gender-based discrimination. Mentors can also provide advice on work life balance.

I got an amazing mentor and coach few years ago, Fernanda, she offered me a different perspective and some principles and tools which I am still using today, the essence of which I will share with you. Basically you can chose thoughts that keep you stuck or thoughts that move you forward. You choose.

To close, just to say that most important thing for women is to show up in everything we do, bringing our whole selves to the table. We don’t need to be like men to succeed, we can be ourselves.

That includes your unique female set of gifts, your personality, your sense of humour and most importantly, your heart.

To speak to one of our Career Advisors get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

12 Steps to Career Success & Placement and Work-Related Learning Week

By , 14 February 2023

Written by Siobhan Hammond

12 Steps to Career Success

What is it?

The 12 Steps to Success programme will provide you with an opportunity to attend face-to-face and digital workshops covering key employability themes to enhance your career confidence and readiness. The programme will be led by our experienced career experts who will provide an overview, along with individualised support on the employability skills that are required by all industries.

When is it?

13th February – 1st May 2023

Why should you do it?

This is an amazing opportunity to boost your employability, gaining knowledge about every point in the process of job searching and progressing in your career. By following the ’12 Steps’ you will gain valuable knowledge about how to create the perfect CV and application, interview tips and preparation, networking and entrepreneurship. Whatever your situation, you can benefit from this course, so sign up now!

Ready to sign up?

The 12 Steps to Career Success brochure will have links to each session both in-person and online.

Scan the QR code or log in to the Career Connect Portal for more information.

Placement and Work-Related Learning Week

What is it?

As of February 2023, the Career Connect team will be launching a Placement and Work-Related Learning activity week for all Staffordshire University students. This will include all students from UK and International Partner Institutions.

The aim of the programme is to provide inclusive workshops to enhance the benefits of gaining work experience as part of any degree. Each workshop will be delivered by members of Career Connect, School Placement teams and the SU Global team, with the aim of encouraging students to search, find and apply for placement opportunities.

Students will be able to access a wide range of information to support them throughout their entire placement journey by signing up to the workshops listed below.

For students who have been unable to access the initial Placement and Work-Related Learning week, follow-up sessions and recapping sessions will be conducted over the 5 weeks after the activity week. Students will also have the opportunity to book an appointment with one of our career’s advisors following each session for more individualised support.

When is it?

13^th – 17^th February

Timetable:

Introduction to Placements: 

Monday 13^th February | 11am- 2pm | LW032 Ashley

Finding Placements:

Tuesday 14^th February | 11am- 2pm | LT012 Ashley

Placement Drop In Clinic:

Wednesday 15^th February | 11am- 2pm | T101 Beacon

Interview Preparation:

Thursday 16^th February | 11am- 2pm | R101 Science Centre

Employer Talks:

Friday 17^th February | 11am- 2pm | Catalyst Learning Market

Why should you do it?

Having prior experience in an industry gives you the edge against competitors when applying for a job.

Placements are vital in assisting you with work-based experience, and can help you to navigate the different settings that you enjoy working in.

This is not only voluntary, there are also paid placements on offer where you can earn while you learn.

Develop your skills and gain the edge with placements on your CV, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Ready to sign up?

Scan the QR code or log in to the Career Connect Portal for more information.

Your New Career Connect Portal

By , 31 January 2023

Written by Gemma McCann – Level 5 Psychology and Criminology.

Career Connect Portal – Recommendations From a Student:

The new Career Connect Portal is great at bringing all of your career needs into an easy-to-use place. It is a simple to navigate system, which is very user-friendly to students, and it is exciting to explore.

Features:

Features including CV 360 and Interview 360 make it simple to access career needs on the go, which provides an effective way for students to enhance their employability.

Book an Appointment:

Booking appointments with the Career Connect team has never been simpler! You can choose whichever days/times suit you best, and then in the notes section you can describe the purpose of the appointment e.g., ‘CV Review’; this allows the career advisor to prepare for the appointment.

Search for Resources:

You can also use the search bar to find resources such as cover letter guidance. There is such a variety of information available on the portal… So go and explore!

Jobs:

Seek JOBS JOBS JOBS… Many students are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis at the moment, we are all starting to feel the pinch! This is why one of the most important features of the NEW Career Connect Portal is to search for and find job/placement/internship opportunities. With new opportunities being uploaded daily, and new employers joining constantly, the opportunities are endless!

How to Access the Career Connect Portal:

Visit www.staffs.ac.uk/students/careers or scan the QR code below, to sign up and get started.

Competition:

REGISTER before the end of January 2023 and you could get the chance to win one of 4 £25 Amazon Vouchers. Good luck!

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Welcome To ALL NEW And RETURNING Students!

By , 26 September 2022

Written by Gemma McCann

What is welcome week?

Welcome week is a fun time for students to get to know the university. Students can familiarise themselves with fellow students, university staff, supportive teams and the buildings and what they offer. Get to know your Student Union: www.staffsunion.com

Welcome week will be filled with lots of fun activities, and you will be able to find out about what societies and clubs are available around campus. Come and meet the Career Connect Team and have a go on Spin to Win.

Feeling nervous? 

If you are more of an introvert, then the thought of lots of people can be daunting. Don’t worry, you can join in with as much, or a little of the welcome week as you like; you can also interact with as many people as you like. This means that you can take full control and do whatever you feel most comfortable with. 

What do I need to bring? 

Yourself. You don’t need to worry about carrying lots of things around with you. Welcome week is a really calm and chilled so you can just take a stroll around the activities that are available. Similarly with the welcome talks, as long as you are present, you will get all of the information that you need. 

If you do need to bring anything for any of the events happening through welcome week, you will be told before hand. 

Top Tips for settling in:

• Familiarise yourself with the campus and where to access everything you will need e.g. library, student union shops, student union and where to get food etc. 
• Get to know some people, if you are staying at campus then you could get to know the people in and around your accommodation, if you don’t live near then you can get to know some people on your course – you may find some that live near you. Join your social groups. 

• Have fun! Spend the first couple of weeks calm and finding your feet at university and focus on settling into university life. 
• If you have any worries or concerns, make sure you speak to someone, whether it be peers, parents, or staff – don’t suffer in silence. 
• Ask questions, if there is anything that you are unsure of then make sure to ask plenty of questions. 

Thinking about your finances?  Watch out for the Part Time Fair on October 5^th in the LRV.  

Looking for a placement or Graduate Role get Connected Futures in your calendar, Starts on Monday 31^st October. 

GET IN TOUCH 

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk 

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs 

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs 

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development 

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs 

Graduation

By , 20 July 2022

Written by Gemma McCann.

ConGRADulations to all of our students experiencing their graduation ceremonies. On behalf of the Career Connect staff, I would like to wish you all the best of luck with your future endeavors. #ProudToBeStaffs

Did you know?

Here at Career Connect we want to do our best to support you in your educational and career pathways to achieving your goals. This is why we offer you a promise of LIFETIME SUPPORT! That’s right… For all Staffordshire University graduates, if you ever need career advice, you can contact us or pop in and see us.

Next steps

Well done to those of you who have already secured jobs following your graduation… now is the time to relax!

To those of you who haven’t yet secured a job, there is no need to worry, you have plenty of time! However, if you are feeling anxious about it, or you don’t know where to start, then come and speak to one of our Career Advisors, or to a member of our Graduate Outcomes team, and they will help to get you on the right path.

Enjoy, Relax, and Rejuvenate

We all know how stressful university can be at times, and that is why it is so important for you to celebrate all that you have achieved throughout your time here. Soak in the glory of graduation, relax in the hot sun, and get yourself prepared for whatever your next steps are.

We love to hear about our student’s success stories, so please keep us updated on your upcoming adventures!

Well done… and congratulations!

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Interview Advice… Top Tips!

By , 13 July 2022

Written by Gemma McCann

Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience for a lot of people, so to try and take some of the stress and pressure away let’s have a look at some ways to prepare for an interview.

How to prepare for an interview:

Read the job role thoroughly to ensure you know what you are applying for. You can then re-read your cv so that your information is fresh in your mind. Once you are all set, try thinking about some questions that they may ask you.

Research the company – it is always good to get an idea of the kind of company you are looking to work for, so have a look through the website to get to know them a bit better (this might also give you some inspiration for any questions that you may want to ask them in the interview).

S.T.A.R – The interviewer may ask questions about your portfolio, previous experiences, or give you hypothetical case studies or scenarios. It can be extremely useful for you to answer these questions using the S.T.A.R technique:

S – Situation – set the stage for the anecdote and provide context

T – Task – provide information on what your role was in the situation

A – Action – tell the interviewer how you as an individual dealt with the situation or tackled the challenge

R – Response – what was the outcome of your actions

Remember to always check the date and time for your interview, along with what you need to wear, and anything you need to take.

What next?

At the end of the interview, you should be given a rough time frame for when to expect a response, however if you haven’t heard anything and it has been a few weeks, you can always contact the company for an update.

If you think of any more questions or there is any information that you need to know after the interview is over, you can contact the company.

For any further support or guidance, please feel free to contact Career Connect, who can offer you a mock interview, or can be there to support you through the process and answer any questions that you might have.

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs