Case studies - business & administrative studies

Tom - Executive, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Tom graduated with a first in business studies, specialising in finance-based modules. He now works for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as a trainee chartered accountant.

"I initially did a sandwich placement with PWC during my degree course, and from this, I was offered a permanent position when I finished my studies. I chose to go into this career area as it provided me with an opportunity to obtain a highly recognised professional qualification (ACA, from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). I also liked the idea of working with many different large companies, in various locations.

My initial degree subject has been useful in a number of ways. It equipped me with a basic understanding of the financial markets and financial jargon which allowed me to take on more complex roles at an earlier stage than many of my peers with non-financial degrees. Subjects such as financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance, investment banking and financial markets all gave me a head start on my ACA qualification. University also taught me to think critically which is a vital skill for somebody in the assurance profession. In addition to this, having to submit numerous course work projects at the same time taught me basic time management skills which are important in a job where you must work to tight deadlines on multiple projects.

The people are great, and it’s a bit like starting university again because everyone is young and the graduate intakes are large. Although the work is often challenging and the learning curve is steep, this only serves to make it more interesting. I hope to stay with PWC as the career opportunities are great. I may also consider moving into an investment banking role in the future.

One of my tips for those that are studying a business and finance-related subject now is to do a sandwich placement if your course provides you with the opportunity to do it, as it’s a great way to get a foot on the ladder in a good company. Also, do as well as you can in your degree course. There are many good opportunities out there at the moment but all of the banks and accountancy firms require high standards."

Simon - Operations Controller, Logistics Company

Simon graduated from Glamorgan University with a first class BA in Business Studies. He went to university with the intention of starting a career in banking, but found a sandwich placement with UK logistics provider and found the environment challenging on a number of different levels.

In his final year, he applied successfully to Exel, global leaders in the business. He spent twelve months on a graduate scheme where, although he moved around the business, he had constant contact with his mentor (a senior HR manager), as well as extensive support from the local management teams.

Simon is now based at a national distribution centre in Burton upon Trent, where he manages sixty one operatives with nine team leaders. This role requires resource planning, fleet maintenance, maintaining productivity/efficiency/accuracy, KPI (key performance indicators) monitoring and reporting, as well as managing the expectations of his team in line with the business needs.

Simon enjoys his current role immensely and likes the fact that he still finds elements to be extremely challenging. He has received plenty of training and support – for example, he has been offered the chance to study for a masters degree, has attended leadership courses in the Peak and Lake districts, a project management courses, grievance/disciplinary and negotiation workshops. He also takes advantage of the opportunity to get involved in activities outside work, such as company-wide football/sector golf tournaments and inter-depot paintball, all of which have led to new friendships.