In the first semester of my final year, I started applying to professional services firms for graduate programmes. If you’re applying to sit the ACA qualification then this is a three year contract, at the end of which you qualify as a Chartered Accountant. I soon realised how much work the applications required, and ended up only applying for the two of the Big 4 that I really wanted to work for.

The interview experience was a steep learning curve but I enjoyed going on mini trips to London for the night! My advice would be to research the company well, know what’s happening in business news, and remember that the interviewer is only human. Being friendly and confident is as important as anything else – after all, they are looking for people who will fit in well in a team. Large companies are also looking for a wide range of skills so the fact that I studied French and Italian for my degree was an advantage, and I hope to be sent on a secondment abroad at some stage in my career.