Phoebe's success story: Securing an Industrial Placement with Grant Thornton

Phoebe is an Accounting and Financial Management student at Cardiff University. She secured a Financial Services Audit Placement with Grant Thornton in London, through Bright Network. 

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

"I've always been drawn to careers that combine analytical thinking and working closely with people. I became increasingly interested in the financial services sector through my studies at university, previous work experience at the Royal Bank of Canada within their Capital Markets Division, and involvement in student societies. I knew that I wanted to do a placement year to gain real-world experience, develop practical skills and to bridge the gap between what I learn in my studies and how it is applied. Joining Grant Thornton has given me the opportunity to work within a supportive team, gain exposure to a wide range of clients and develop my professional and technical skills." 

What motivated you to apply for your role?  

"Grant Thornton particularly stood out to me because of the collaborative culture, focus on perosnal development and the opportunity they provide to take on real responsibility from the beginning of the placement. I was also attracted by the firm's focus on client relationships as I really wanted to build my confidence interacting with clients, learning from experienced professionals and facing complex challenges."

What was the application process like?   

"The application process included several stages which challenged various skills. I was particularly surprised by the email stage in which we were given several documents about a business and had to answer 4 questions on how they can grow further, potential risks and the impact on environmental factors. One thing that really stood out to me was the support I received through the process from the recruitment team. They took the time to call me and talk me through what to expect before each stage of the process and happily answered any questions I had. I also enjoyed the final interview as it felt like a genuine conversation rather than a formal assessment. The strengths-based questions allowed me to reflect on my experiences and demonstrate my enthusiasm for the role." 

What are you most proud of about your journey?  

"My biggest challenge so far has been adapting to a new work environment and getting to grips with unfamiliar systems, process and terminology. It was a lot to learn within the first few weeks, but as I progress my confidence is growing and find myself asking more questions and learning more from my team."

What have you learned from going through the process?

"Going through the application process taught me that employers are looking for authenticity as much as technical ability. Looking back I wish I had known not to worry about not knowing everything! Being genuine and showing curiosity about the firm and role demonstrates a willingness to learn. That's what they're looking for."

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

"My biggest piece of advice would be to apply early and be yourself throughout the process. I also found Bright Network's resources and employer insights really helpful for preparation. Finally, do not be discouraged by setbacks. I went through several rejections at many different stages of applications and as disheartening as it can be, you have to try and look at every application as an opportunity to learn and improve ready for the next one."

Tell us about the future. What’s next?  

"Looking forward, I hope to return to university with a greater confidence and a much deeper understanding of the profession before I begin my graduate career. Most importantly, I am excited to meet new people and get to know my cohort more, so I can leave my placement year with a network of people from all different backgrounds. I have begun to look further into the ACA qualification which I hope to work towards once I graduate."