Accountancy Summer School – what we cover
The aim of the Summer School is to help anyone, who is sure or unsure, to make up their minds about whether a career in our industry is right for them. Whilst some students have a very clear idea about the career they would like to pursue, there are equally many who are confused. The Summer School gives the attendees a chance to explore the industry in a little more detail and decide whether it could be a suitable path for them. Many of our attendees go on to study accountancy either at university or as part of an apprenticeship. Some attendees decide that this is not the right career for them. In our opinion, both groups, therefore, benefit from the experience. The topics we cover within the Summer School are as follows:
- Careers in accountancy
- How to get started
- Study pathways
- CV and interview tips
- An employer Q&A forum
Format of our Accountancy Summer School
Our Accountancy Summer School is held in our centre for 2 days and is run by our amazing tutors. Through COVID-19, the summer school was given through virtual workshops and the content was reformatted to adjust with this change from previous years. In 2022 we opened up the summer school in centre again and we are pleased that from then on it will carry on being an in-person event. The days include both practical and written tasks which are demonstrated in a presentation at the end of day 1. Day 2 involves our tutors mock interviewing attendees and giving them tips on they can improve their CVs ready to hand to employers. To close the event, we invite a number of employers and previous students to come in and chat to students about routes into accountancy, what the role entails and how the teaching and courses are structured at First Intuition.
What do attendees think of our accountancy summer school?
We are always pleased to receive feedback from attendees about their experience of joining us for this event.
We also keep in touch with students as they search for work and university places, offering more help and advice if they need it.
Here’s what some of our previous attendees have said about the impact it had on their decision making:
‘The sessions were fun and interactive; they were also informative about the world of accountancy. Everyone was included and welcome with open arms’
‘I really enjoyed the experience; it gave me a clear insight into the accountancy world and made it easier for future career decisions. Thank you for the opportunity and I’d like to keep in contact for the future, as this session has helped me a lot’
“The accounting academy reassured me that accounting was the pathway within finance that I wanted to pursue. I am currently in the last year of my A levels so I have been looking at both university and apprenticeships”.
“I wasn’t sure whether I wanted a career in accountancy before finishing A-Levels and although I’m not doing accountancy now it definitely opened my mind up to what being an accountant entails the qualifications available, and the structure they take. Even the CV feedback session and the team building tasks I found were really useful for interviews and assessment centers when applying for apprenticeships. Summer school is really good for anyone unsure of what career path they want to pursue and to get experience for what applying for apprenticeships is like.”
Where are they now?
By keeping in touch with our previous attendees, we are able to see the impact it has had on them. One of the former attendees started studying at our London centre and we also had three apprentices who all attended our summer school in the past few years. We caught up recently with one attendee who had this to say:
“After summer school I went and got myself an accounting apprenticeship, since then I have been in practice for over 2 years now and am mid-way through my AAT level 4 in my second job. Without going to this summer school I wouldn’t have even known about accounting apprenticeships and probably would have wasted my time in Uni studying. I am now nearly 19 with 2 years + accounting experience”.
We also know that many of those who joined us both in-centre and online have gone on to study accountancy-related subjects at university and are hoping to secure a level 7 apprenticeship when they finish. We spoke to one of our current apprentices who attended our Accountancy Summer School a few years ago.
“I am currently working in an accountancy firm in the audit and accounts department after completing my level four apprenticeship and gaining my certificate in finance, accounting, and business under the ICAEW. I am also now studying on a level 7 apprenticeship towards the ACA qualification”.
Join us next time
We are delighted that our 2024 Accountancy Summer School will take place in our centre.
If you’d like to register your interest please click here. For more information please contact charlotteskidmore@fi.co.uk
Useful Documents and Links
Articles on careers in accountancy
Careers in accountancy and finance – this article contains videos with topics similar to the sessions we run for our Accountancy Summer School.
Accountancy Careers. Where do I start – An in-depth look at the types of roles and paths into accountancy.
Life after school or university– A look at where an accountancy qualification could lead.
Looking for your first job in accountancy – A look at where to get help finding your first job and the resources available.
