Trainee Associate Review

My team looks at the tax implications in credit deals and administrations. Day to day usually consists of doing the risk for projects, drafting and updating step papers and sending emails. We also get the opportunity to sit on calls with clients and go to client meetings. You get the opportunity to work on a variety of projects so your day to day work is never the same.

We use laptops all day so my technology skills have improved massively. I have also learnt more about corporation tax through training days and day to day work. I also study towards a personal qualification which covers some of the technical knowledge I need to know. Working in a professional environment also furthers your ability to communicate and work efficiently.

I enjoy the programme as you are exposed to a variety of work and can always request to be on a specific project / client. Everyone was really welcoming when I joined and the whole team are happy to answer my stupid questions! The people I work with are also all really sociable and make work a nice place to be.

The programme is quite structured, you are told your college dates way in advance and what is expected at college. It is quite hard to have your questions about the school leave scheme answered as a majority of people have joined via the grad scheme (although if someone can’t answer your question they point you in the direction of someone who can).

I get a lot of support from my employer. When we join we are assigned a career coache and buddy to ensure we get any guidance we require. You are not restricted to just asking your career coach and buddy for support, any one in your team will be happy to help you.

Kaplan have an email that is available 24/7 for any queries. They get back to you very quickly. Your tutor will also give you their personal email for any questions you may have. Kaplan also have online and paper resources they provide you with to aid you in passing your qualification.

Depending on your department will depend which part of the qualification aids you at work. I am in corporate tax but in our first year we study personal tax so it is not a useful to me. However I know someone who works on national insurance contributions so it is helpful to her.

There are a number of sports and social clubs. My team has a weekly running club you can join. If there is nothing you are interested you are encouraged to start a club as it is likely someone else will want to join! There are also various volunteering days including individual days or on going activities. We also have monthly socials or breakfasts to bond with the team.

Yes

It is a nice environment to work in and has many tools in place to aid your growth and development. You are also offered 3 different personal qualifications to do which will aid in your development (this will vary depending on which team you join). You are supported throughout your career.

Ensure you research the company before your interview in order to know what they look for and take all stages of the recruitment process seriously! If you join ensure you take every opportunity to try new things and get a broad experience. There are opportunities to change teams or go on secondments.