My time at College put me in a great position to advance to the next stage of my career. I was able to make many new friends and grow as a person, and I am still in touch with a lot of the people I met there.

Studying Business and Economics was what sparked my interest in pursuing a career in finance – both subjects also gave me a solid foundation for the studies I am completing now.

Joining the Apprenticeships and Employment Pathway made a real difference when I was applying for apprenticeships, and it is something I would highly recommend to anyone who is not planning to go down the university route.

After leaving College, I joined Grant Thornton as a Tax Associate in the firm’s Corporate and Multinational Tax Team, based in the Gatwick office. My apprenticeship is made up of two qualifications, starting with the Level 4 Association of Taxation Technicians qualification (0-2 years) followed by the Level 7 Chartered Tax Adviser qualification (2-4 years).

I really enjoy combining full-time study with hands-on client work, although balancing exam revision alongside a busy workload has definitely been a challenge. But I am proud with how I’ve settled into the team and started building real technical knowledge so early on. Looking further ahead, I am looking forward to formally qualifying as a Chartered Tax Adviser over the next few years.

Once I have qualified, my goal is to move into an Assistant Manager role, taking on more responsibility for managing client relationships and mentoring newer starters coming through the same apprenticeship route I did. Longer term, I would like to continue progressing through the firm’s career structure, working towards Manager and Senior Manager level, with reaching Partner status at Grant Thornton as the ultimate goal.

Looking back, I would say it is important to start building your CV as early as possible. It is much easier to add to it bit by bit than try to pull one together from scratch when you are already applying for roles.

I would also recommend getting as much work experience as possible, even if it is not directly related to the career you think you want. It helps you work out what you do and do not enjoy before committing to a particular path.

When it comes to applications, tailor each one to the specific company rather than sending out the same generic application everywhere. Employers can tell the difference, and it shows that you have actually thought about why you want to work there.

Finally, do not leave applications until the last minute. The earlier you start applying, the more options and time you will have available to you.

Luke Major
Reigate College: 2023-2025
Higher Education: Level 7 Chartered Tax Advisor apprenticeship while working as a Tax Associate for Grant Thornton