We recently caught up with Anna about how they secured a graduate role with KPMG, their top tips for improving commercial awareness and how they tackle tough interview questions.
What stood out to you about KPMG?
Being interested in a career in Finance and Professional Services, I was drawn to KPMG as it is one of the 'Big 4' firms, with offices and clients all around the world and exciting career prospects. I was lucky to attend the Launch Pad (assessment centre) at the firm during my first application cycle (before the pandemic started) and I found that I felt most at ease at KPMG than at other ‘Big 4’ firms. During my second (and successful) application cycle I spoke to several current trainees at the firm, and they talked a lot about the support the firm provided to them with switching to work-from-home and overall, with their career progression and development. For me, that was the most important thing in a potential employer.
What prompted you to take part in Internship Experience UK?
I first heard about Internship Experience UK and Bright Network in spring 2020 and, just like a lot of students and graduates, I was looking even more actively for new, virtual ways to network with potential employers (as a lot of in-person events became unavailable due to the pandemic) and to enhance my CV. Therefore, the Internship Experience UK Finance and Professional Services stream sounded like the perfect opportunity to meet representatives from different firms, learn more about different employers and get a taste of the work the firms do. And that's exactly what it was!
If you could describe Internship Experience UK in one word, what would it be?
'Universal'. I think it would suit both those that already know which career path they wish to take and those who are not yet sure. For the former, it would a great opportunity to establish contact with potential employers and to learn more about specific firms; and the latter would have a chance to make an informed decision regarding which path they want to take because of the experience. I believe everyone would benefit from Internship Experience UK in their own way, be it establishing new contacts, learning about different careers, identifying your own strengths and weaknesses or even finding an employer that matches your values and aspirations.
How did Internship Experience UK help you secure this role?
I think Internship Experience UK helped me enhance my online networking skills - something that was not paid much attention to pre-pandemic. I got to network not only with potential employers but also with fellow students from different universities who had different career aspirations. Apart from everything else, it’s also a great way to meet new people and maybe your future colleagues!
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
What do you think is the future of audit?' and similar industry-related questions.
My background is not in Accounting or Finance, so it took me some time and research effort to figure out how to answer questions like this. However, I found that it all boils down to commercial awareness: what are the overall trends across different industries and what are the key events happening in the world of business. It also helps to gain some basic knowledge of the industry itself, e.g., how it evolved recently. It helps to jot down some key developments and events to mention when answering the question and take a minute or two to structure your answer. It can be nerve-wracking, so remember to take a moment to compose yourself.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Network as much as you can. Use every opportunity to ask good questions and show your interest in the employer, talk to current employees and recruiters.
- Show that you are open to feedback, regardless of the outcome of your interview and always build on this feedback to improve your interview techniques and content.
- Be honest. Most employers can see when a candidate doesn't have a good enough reason to apply to them, so make sure you've thought this through.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
