Sophie Henderson

 

Describe what your current job involves:

 

I am currently working in a graduate role as an Audit Supervisor with RSM UK in their London Gatwick office. My job involves visiting different client sites and liaising with key contacts to get the information required to conclude that the client’s financial statements show a true and fair view of the company’s affairs.

Briefly describe your career history to date (type of position and how you navigated this journey):

Whilst at Stirling I worked at Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited as a Bottling Hall Operative during the summer holidays. This involved working as part of a team responsible for bottling produce as well as creating records on Microsoft Excel to assist efficient production. During my time at Stirling, I also worked part time as a Digital Marketing Analyst and Content Writer at a firm based in Barcelona. After this, I accepted an offer with RSM, the 7^th largest accountancy firm in the world on their graduate scheme. This opportunity led to my current position at RSM.

In what way did your experiences at Stirling shape your career to date (academic studies, internships, study abroad, part-time work, volunteering)?

My time at Stirling gave me the commercial awareness and skills required to succeed in a corporate environment. I also partook in a personal development and practice module which gave me the opportunity to develop transferable skills in presentation and communication. Additionally, I was a member of the Business and Dance clubs, as well as organising language exchange classes which allowed me to meet people from all over the world and become more culturally aware, as well as learning new languages. In the summer of 2017, I was lucky enough to secure an Internship in Barcelona where I spent four months working as a Digital Marketing Analyst and Content Writer with VILLANOVO, a company that specialises in luxury villa holidays. I even got to continue my work with the company part-time alongside the remainder of my

studies. This international experience has been a hugely valuable selling point in interviews and helped me to stand out from other applicants. I also had the opportunity to participate in the AmplifyME Trading Boot Camp which allowed me to learn about financial markets and trade stock on an online platform and gain a Trading and Financial Market Analysis certificate. This experience gave me an insight into the world of finance and has helped me in my current role with the knowledge gained.

What advice would you give to current students in terms of preparing for your first job after graduation?

First of all, I would recommend Stirling to any prospective students as the course choice and flexibility is second to none. Furthermore, the library and careers facilities are excellent services which make Stirling a great place to study and become more employable. I would also highlight the importance of making use of Stirling’s Careers and Employability Services and applying for internships which can help to widen your University experience and transferable skills. In terms of preparing for your first job after graduation, you need to be organised for the interview process and start applying for jobs early as it is extremely competitive. Practice interview questions and numerical tests and make use of the excellent facilities at the Careers Centre to ensure you excel. Take every opportunity you can including internships, study abroad, clubs and societies to broaden your experience and help you stand out from the crowd.