Associate Review

After one year, I am now an Associate (the same position as where graduates start) in the Restructuring Department in Corporate Finance. I work predominantly with distressed companies who are looking to restructure structurally, financially or operationally (sometimes a combination). The daily tasks involve analysing companies' finances, dealing with ad hoc tasks for companies in administrations such as paying bills, dealing with tenants/customers/landlords, preparing returns for HMRC and much more. I have a large amount of exposure from people within Deloitte as well as working with some of the most senior people from our clients, lawyers, property agents, management companies and so on. The work and people I work with are hugely varied and I am given an amazing amount of responsibility for dealing with challenging tasks, however, guidance and management are constantly there to advise me and check on my work where necessary.

I am studying for the ACA so that after my five year training contract I will be a Chartered Accountant, as well as receiving a large amount of other relevant training. I have been able to go on numerous internal and external courses around 'soft skills', insolvency, property and more.

I feel extremely fortunate to have found this position and would advise anyone who knew that they wanted to work in finance and wanted to get ahead of their peers to apply. The people I work with are intelligent but there is also a nice team environment, unlike the more notoriously aggressive banking cultures that you hear of. As a school leaver, I feel there is particular attention and interest paid to our development and well-being compared with the graduates.

I moved to London a month after starting at Deloitte. I found the first year a bit of a struggle due to the high living costs here. However, in comparison with university the amount of debt you may have to go into could easily be nil if you live prudently. After one year, my salary is now the same as that of the graduate scheme starting salary which I think is phenomenal and I will be able to live comfortably this year whilst also enjoying an active social life and holidays etc.

I have been to the Shard before it was open to the public, to see The Book of Mormon in the second row in front Simon Cowell and Kate Moss, and to countless lunches, dinners and drink events. I spent a day at Tea Pot Island with some members of Age Concern and am looking forward to future charity events. I have been to a number of schools to present on my route into the organisation (also good public speaking practice which I hugely enjoy). I help organise our department's Deloitte Quarterly Network including a presentation on HMV and Blockbuster and a wine tasting evening. I have also played a little cricket and softball. There is the opportunity to go to language classes subsidised by Deloitte. If you are willing to organise or ask for something, Deloitte are usually more than happy to assist, accommodate or encourage you. The social aspects of the firm I have found to be better than most of my school friends currently at university, and it helps to be earning money as well!

Yes

It has been the best choice I have ever made.