Dalia's success story: Securing an Internship with Grant Thornton

Dalia is an Accounting and Financial Management student at Loughborough University. She secured a Commercial Audit internship with Grant Thornton in Colchester, through Bright Network. 

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

"My career path reflects my love of problem-solving. I study within the Loughborough Business School, and I've always enjoyed how accounting is like piecing together a puzzle. Growing up, I actually wanted to be a footballer and represented GB at youth level, but I chose the solidity of a degree, a decision I don't regret, as Loughborough has given me some amazing opportunities. Client site work suits me particularly well, since I love seeing new places and meeting new people. My motivation for going into audit is there's constant opportunity for growth and the ability to keep levelling up is what matters most to me in a career."

What motivated you to apply for your role?  

"I was really drawn to the growth GT is experiencing within the sector, along with their investment in digital technology, which shows a real commitment to staying ahead. The international side of the firm was also a big attraction as a Spanish speaker. Overall, it felt like a firm that could offer both career growth and genuinely global opportunities. This was solidified with their ACA chartered programme and the support they offer when balancing study and work."

What was the application process like?   

"What surprised me most was the level of support Grant Thornton gave throughout the process, something I hadn't experienced with other firms. After every stage we passed, we'd get a check-in to see how we found it and how we were feeling ahead of the next one, along with helpful advice to make sure we felt prepared. The final interview also stood out, as it felt much more like a genuine conversation than a formal Q&A, which made the whole experience feel a lot more settling."

What was your applicaiton journey like?

"I prepared using tools from both my university and Bright Network, making sure my CV was tailored to Grant Thornton so I could really showcase my experiences in a way that suited the firm. I also practised psychometric tests beforehand so I felt comfortable and confident going in. My favourite part of the process was actually the in-person interview. I felt really welcomed and it was great to get the chance to chat with a member of the team rather than it just feeling like a formal assessment."

What are you most proud of about your journey?  

"I've thrown myself into every opportunity that's come my way, getting stuck into new challenges rather than staying in my comfort zone. One thing I found challenging early on was adapting to working on client site, but it quickly became second nature, overcoming that gave me a real sense of confidence." 

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?  

"My biggest tip is to get stuck in and ask loads of questions. No one expects you to know everything, and people genuinely want to help. It's also worth connecting with people in your office before you even start, so you've got some insight and familiar faces on day one. My two greatest pieces of advice I've been given are that no one ever says no to a coffee, so get to know your colleagues, however senior they are, and don't be scared to get things wrong."

Tell us about the future. What’s next?  

"Looking ahead, I'm hoping to get a return offer to Grant Thornton after my final year of university. It would be a fantastic opportunity to get my foot in the door with a firm I think would be brilliant to qualify and grow within. In terms of development, I want to keep building my confidence within audit, getting a really solid understanding of how everything works, and I'm especially looking forward to visiting more client sites and getting stuck into all kinds of different businesses."