Planning My Downtime
Hi everyone,
I’m a final-year undergraduate student in the UK. Last November, I was thrilled to accept a graduate scheme offer abroad, excited to kickstart my career in the Middle East—something I’ve always aimed for.
However, in February, my dad fell seriously ill, and he still isn’t doing well. Because family means everything to me, I’ve decided to decline the graduate scheme offer.
Now it’s March, and most UK-based graduate schemes (especially in London) are no longer available. The few that remain are extremely competitive, and while I plan to apply, my expectations are tempered.
This means I have around 5-6 months to utilize before the January application cycle begins. I have a background in Economics and a solid understanding of econometrics, but I’m not interested in heavily quantitative roles. My goal is to break into Audit or Consultancy.
So, I’d love your advice on how to spend this time. What skills should I focus on? Should I become more proficient in Excel? I use it regularly, but I know I could improve.
Essentially, I have several months to upskill from home, and I’m eager to make the most of it. What do you recommend?
One response
It’s great that you’re prioritizing your family during this challenging time, and it’s definitely wise to use these months productively to enhance your skills for your future career in Audit or Consultancy. Here are some suggestions on what you can focus on during your downtime:
Excel Proficiency: As you mentioned, becoming more proficient in Excel is a fantastic idea. Focus on mastering advanced functions, data analysis tools, pivot tables, and financial modeling. There are plenty of online resources and courses that can help you level up your Excel skills.
Financial and Management Accounting: Familiarizing yourself with Accounting principles can be highly beneficial, especially in Audit. Consider taking online courses in financial and management Accounting to deepen your understanding.
Consulting Frameworks and Methodologies: Research common consulting frameworks (like SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, etc.) and familiarize yourself with how consultancies approach problem-solving. Reading books or articles on consulting strategies can provide valuable insights.
Soft Skills Development: Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are crucial in Audit and Consultancy. Consider joining workshops, webinars, or even practice through online platforms where you can improve these skills.
Networking: Use this time to build your professional network. Engage on platforms like LinkedIn, reach out to alumni from your university who are in the field, and attend relevant webinars or industry meetups. Networking can often lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
Explore Online Courses/Certifications: Consider certifications that are relevant to your career goals, like ACCA, CIMA, or courses in project management or data analysis that could make you stand out.
Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends, news, and economic changes. This knowledge will serve you well in interviews and discussions about the fields you want to enter.
Volunteer or Intern: If possible, look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities in businesses or nonprofits that could give you some relevant experience.
Personal Projects: Consider undertaking a personal project that showcases your skills. This could be analyzing data sets relevant to your interests and compiling the findings into a report or presentation.
Mock Interviews: Practice your interview skills, especially behavioral questions that are common in Consulting and Audit interviews. Consider finding a peer or mentor who can conduct mock interviews with you.
Focusing on these areas can make you a well-rounded candidate when you start applying again. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support during this transition!