2020 has been a challenging year for all, not least school leavers and graduates taking their first steps on their career journeys amid a global pandemic. The DSG Spotlight series has provided an opportunity to celebrate members of the team who have demonstrated the hard work and perseverance that we value here at DSG. We’ve spoken to Faye Wheeler, who went above and beyond for the Liverpool community, Alex Nolan, a member of our graduate scheme cohort, and Leah Gaskell, who, after seven years of hard work, achieved her ACA qualification. In our final DSG Spotlight of the year, we look to Ellie Kirwin, who has just embarked on her journey with DSG.
After finishing school in 2019, I began thinking about the next steps in my career and the opportunities in front of me. Neither my mum or dad had gone to university, and their work ethic always inspired me, so I decided to take an alternative route into a career. I’d always been good with numbers so, wanting to use the skills already at my disposal, I began researching the career paths into accountancy.
Soon after, I applied for the Leadership Through Sport and Business (LTSB) scheme, provided by the Liverpool FC Foundation. LTSB is an amazing scheme which supports young people by helping to put them into meaningful roles in major firms in a number of sectors.
I was pleased to secure a position on the business and finance apprenticeship, which consisted of a 12-week bootcamp focused on gaining employability skills and corporate experience. Alongside the networking opportunities, insight days and mentorship, I worked towards my Level 2 AAT qualification.
This set me in good stead for several accounting interviews. DSG stood out to me as a firm that really cared for its staff and the wider Liverpool community. There was a strong sense that they valued the teams there, so when I was offered a role on the small businesses team to begin in March, I was absolutely thrilled.
My experience so far at DSG has been incredibly positive. The team has been nothing but encouraging and friendly, and there is always someone on hand to answer any questions, no matter how small. I’m currently working towards my Level 3 AAT qualification, and hoping to achieve that by October 2021. I’m prepared for it to be a lot of work, and it is reassuring to know that I have a team around me for support. I’m so happy to have joined somewhere that encourages people from all backgrounds to join, it makes for a diverse team who can come together to solve interesting problems.
To anyone beginning their job search, research the roles you are interested in and, if possible, try to speak to professionals already in those roles as well as getting some experience under your belt. Accountancy is a fascinating and diverse career with great opportunities for development, so for anyone in a similar position to me, leaving school and looking at going straight into work, I would say go for it!
To explore the options available for school leavers at DSG, visit their website here
