Name: Mike
Degree: Maths and Philosophy 2.1, University of Sheffield (graduated in 2004)
Other qualifications: ACA, obtained with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in 2007
Current job: Executive in Assurance, specifically in the Banking and Capital Markets division

1. What does your current job involve? Describe a typical day at work.

I work in assurance, within Banking and Capital Markets (B&CM). This means that my day-to-day work involves planning, managing and performing audits and other assurance engagements.

On a typical day I start by meeting my managers and partner to report findings and plan the audit approach. I then head over to the client’s offices, where I spend the rest of the day checking up on and managing my team (who are based out there) and meeting with client contacts to resolve specific issues. Towards the end of the day I usually spend some time catching up with e-mails and documentation.

2. What other jobs have you had since graduating (including any others with your current employer)?

I spent a few months travelling after graduation, and then started at PwC, where I have worked for the last three and a half years in B&CM.

3. What do you like most about your current job?

I have always enjoyed the people aspect of the job the most. There are always new people from a huge range of backgrounds to meet and to work with.

I also enjoy the exposure that I get to senior clients, including leading meetings with directors of FTSE100 companies.

4. What do you like least about your current job?

In the banking practice there are times when you have to work similar hours to the banks which, especially in busy season (January and February), can lead to a few long evenings.

5. What are the most important skills required to do your job?

Although it is helpful to have a mathematical and analytical mind, the most important quality is to have an abundance of people skills. You need to have the confidence to meet and challenge senior clients, while still working as a team with your colleagues.

6. What made you choose this career path?

My father was a partner at a Big Four firm, and so I have always been aware of the benefits of the profession. However, it was only at university that I decided that I wanted to follow this choice of career path, as I wanted both the excellent grounding in finance and business provided by the ACA and by PwC, and to keep my options open if I wanted to move into banking.

7. What did you want to be when you were 12?

When I was 12 I was fairly keen to partner Ian Wright up front for Arsenal. I’m still keen on this, although I’m grudgingly starting to think I’m getting a bit old and will have to accept that I’ll need to play more of a holding midfield role.

8. What is your long-term career goal?

Although it is still early days, I am currently aspiring to a long career at PwC – up to partner level. I know that I would like to experience working abroad, and I do not think that there is a better firm to provide opportunities for secondment once qualified.

9. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

During my university holidays I worked in a crisp factory, packing boxes. The monotony was such that I only managed a week; my need for variation and challenge in the workplace was far too strong!

10. What one tip would you give to someone currently at university wanting to pursue the same sort of career as you?

The interviewing process is likely to be different to anything that you have experienced at university, and preparation is therefore of paramount importance.

Make sure that you apply to a range of firms, and do your homework – keep up to date with business developments, and make sure you know what differentiates one firm from another.