Former ICAS Foundation student Sean Grubb shares his journey to qualification
I felt a great sense of pride at being one of the first students to secure a place on the ICAS Foundation programme in 2013, as I took my first steps towards a career in accountancy.
As an undergraduate on the Accounting & Finance course at the University of Dundee, the Foundation provided support in the form of an annual bursary to assist with costs associated with attending university, in addition to an ICAS member providing invaluable mentor support. Having a mentor on hand to provide guidance was hugely beneficial throughout my time at university and undoubtedly contributed to me achieving a First-Class Honours in Accounting and Finance.
The Foundation also helped me to secure summer internships throughout my university degree, where I gained first-hand experience of life as a CA trainee. This experience, together with opportunities to attend ICAS networking events where I met many inspiring CA’s who shared their stories of success through the ICAS qualification, solidified my decision to apply for a CA training contract on graduating from university.
I was delighted when on graduating I secured a CA training contract with EQ Accountants LLP and I am now in my 3rd and final year of their ICAS graduate programme. I am fortunate enough to work in accounts, tax and audit allowing me to develop a broad range of skills and experience. Having passed all ICAS exams on my first attempt, I’m now looking forward to qualifying in August 2020 and becoming a full member of such a prestigious organisation.
My experience on the ICAS Foundation programme has also led me to a role on the ICAS Members Board. This position allows me to participate in the efforts to increase member satisfaction within ICAS and develop Board skills for use as I progress in my career.
I have already applied to become a mentor with the ICAS Foundation when I qualify as a CA in August 2020. This will allow me to share my experience of studying accountancy at university with the support of the ICAS Foundation, and the career opportunities a CA qualification could bring in the future.
I am grateful for the help I have received and by mentoring a Foundation student and setting up a monthly direct debit to donate, will not only allow me to give back, but go some way to help other talented young people living in disadvantaged communities to follow in my footsteps. As many of you will know, becoming a CA opens the door to many opportunities, but unfortunately these opportunities are not available to a lot of young talented people who, given the chance, could very well shape the future of ICAS.
I would encourage CA members to support the ICAS Foundation by donating or volunteering to mentor a student.
For more information visit the Foundation website, or contact them to find out more. www.icasfoundation.org.uk or email – enquiries@icasfoundation.org.uk