Ashley-Kay Rowe’s Post

🌟 Insightful Evening with KPMG 🌟 Last night, I had the privilege of attending Insight into KPMG an inspiring and informative online event hosted by Young Professionals. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from KPMG apprentices like Hope Deathridge, Nicole Gavaza, Jon Evans, Nadia Dabbagh-Hobrow, Ben Chapman and Sarah Agho . The session provided an exclusive look into life at one of the world’s leading professional services firms. Hearing their personal journeys, challenges, and successes was truly motivating! ✨Key takeaways from the event✨ 💼 What KPMG looks for in candidates: 1️⃣ Career motivation 2️⃣ Drive for quality 3️⃣ Demonstration of integrity 4️⃣ Effective communication 💡 Top tips from the speakers: ✔️ Be yourself ✔️ Apply as early as possible ✔️ Be specific in your applications The advice shared was incredibly valuable—not just for the KPMG apprenticeship process, but for navigating the early stages of any career. Attending this session not only broadened my understanding of what KPMG offers but also highlighted the importance of authenticity, preparation, and clarity in any professional setting. Thank you to Dan M. and the incredible panel of speakers for sharing your insights! 🙌 If you’re considering a career in professional services or exploring apprenticeship opportunities, I highly recommend learning more about KPMG and events like this. #KPMG #YoungProfessionals #Apprenticeships #Careers #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth

We are delighted to share that Future Leaders UK has joined forces with KPMG UK in a groundbreaking partnership that will help reshape the landscape of opportunity for underrepresented young people. This multi-city initiative, across London and Birmingham, is designed to break down barriers and open doors to apprenticeships at one of the world's leading professional services firms. The stark reality is that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are significantly less likely to enter higher-skilled occupations, with 75% of them earning less than the London living wage at age 25. This partnership is our response to that challenge – a commitment to levelling the playing field and ensuring that talent isn't overlooked due to circumstances beyond one's control. This partnership will provide a launchpad for careers that can transform lives and communities. It is an excellent example of the power of collaboration between social impact organisations and the corporate sector, working hand in hand to foster diversity, drive social mobility, and contribute to long-term economic prosperity. The future of work is changing, and it's crucial that we change with it – ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow reflect the rich diversity of our society today. With this partnership, we're ensuring the future looks bright for everyone. #FutureLeadersUK #KPMG #YouthEmpowerment #SocialMobility #Apprenticeships

Following on from Jonathan Holt's post last week and his letter in the Financial Times - https://lnkd.in/eZkKcGkp - this afternoon, I attended a KPMG insight webinar hosted by Dan M., Nadia Dabbagh-Hobrow, and Ben Chapman. The session covered apprenticeship options, KPMG's values and what the firm looks for in candidates. It was also great to hear from current apprentices Hope Deathridge, Sarah Agho, Nicole Gavaza, and Jon Evans who shared their own experiences and perspectives. A few things that stood out: - Start at 16: Begin a 2-year Business Services apprenticeship right after GCSEs. Earn a solid £23k–£24k while working toward A-level equivalent qualifications. - Start at 18: After A-levels, embark on a 5-year Audit apprenticeship. By the end, you’ll have a Level 7 (Master’s-level) qualification and be a fully fledged chartered accountant. - Earn While You Learn: Gain on-the-job experience, build a strong network and pick up professional qualifications—without the typical student debt. If you’re exploring early career opportunities, this is worth checking out! KPMG UK

I'm delighted to announce that I have accepted my offer to join KPMG UK as an Audit Apprentice (Glasgow)! Like myself, many are familiar that the journey of seeking apprenticeships can be daunting, filled with highs and lows - all while balancing academic studies. The effort required to keep pushing despite the setbacks is often underestimated. It’s vital that we use rejection as a motivator for our success, never let it hold you back! Today, I stand before you with a simple message: age should never be a barrier to your dreams, ambitions, or aspirations. Too often, society imposes limits based on age, relegating individuals into predefined boxes of what they can or cannot achieve. Age is merely a number, a marker of the passage of time, but it should never define who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing. Whether you are in your teens, twenties, thirties, fifties, or beyond, your potential knows no bounds. Indeed, with age comes wisdom, experience, and a wealth of knowledge that can propel you forward on your journey. Embrace the wisdom gained from years of living, but never let it become an excuse for complacency or inaction. Instead, channel your experiences into fuel for your ambitions. Let them ignite a fire within you, driving you to reach new heights and conquer new challenges. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every obstacle is a chance to prove your resilience. Taking this into account, as a 16 year old coming into a “Big 4” financial firm I am fully aware of the challenges that I will face however, every challenge is an opportunity, every setback is a lesson and every success, a milestone on the path to greatness. I will endlessly be grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see where it will take me! #KPMG #Apprentice #Network #Uptree #Apprenticeships Uptree

✨ 1 Year Ago, I Chose an Apprenticeship Over University 🎓➡️💼 It’s been exactly 12 months since I made the decision to join PwC as an apprentice instead of heading down the traditional university route—and I couldn’t be happier with that choice. 🙌 Looking back, it’s been a year of learning, growth, and real-world experience in the world of consulting. Here's a few things I’ve learned so far: 🚀 Adaptability is Key: In consulting, no two days are ever the same. Whether it’s problem-solving for clients or learning new skills on the go, being flexible and thinking on your feet has been crucial. 💡 Learning by Doing > Textbooks: From Day 1, I was thrown into real projects that have made a direct impact. The hands-on experience I’ve gained is invaluable and something I wouldn’t have found in a classroom. 🤝 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: One of the biggest surprises? Just how collaborative consulting is. Working with different teams has shown me the power of diverse perspectives and how much you can achieve when you work together. 📈 Continuous Growth: PwC has given me endless opportunities to develop my skills—whether it’s through mentorship, training programs, or simply learning from colleagues. Every day is a new chance to grow! If you’re considering an apprenticeship or an alternative to university, I’d highly recommend it. The experiences, connections, and skills you gain are truly unmatched. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. #Consulting #PwC #Apprenticeship

Hi network! Following on from my recent post, I am extremely grateful and pleased to accept the role of degree apprenticeship in audit and assurance at Deloitte! The interview and assessment process was challenging and exciting, and I’m glad I made it out the other end! When I first applied, I didn’t know much about the degree apprenticeship process, and I thought I’d share some of the lessons I’ve learned: My top tips for this experience: Self Belief: at every stage of the interview, I thought I did horribly, yet I still made it through, so try not to doubt yourself. Research: ensure you are well read on current affairs related to finance and technology (or topics related to your given field) Practise public speaking: speak slowly and confidently. Don't be afraid to pause for a few seconds to reflect and ensure you understand the question. If not, make sure you ask to clarify. Understanding: make sure you research exactly what your apprentice role includes and what education you will undertake alongside this. A common interview question is why you are passionate about your sector, so ensure you have a truthful and coherent answer. Support: there are 1000s of students who apply to the degree apprenticeship roles per season. I utilised internet forums and friends/family for advice and confidence-building. Lots of people have been through similar experiences so I suggest seeking out some advice if unsure. Stay calm: before my interview, I found it beneficial to sit in a local park and mentally prepare myself. Remember, you know what you're talking about and you've got this! Once again, I am very proud and grateful for this highly coveted opportunity!

Take a look at our latest article from Khadija Ismail, first year Management Consulting apprentice with PwC UK. Khadija talks about how her work experience on the New World, New Skills summer school programme helped to shape her career path. Read more here https://lnkd.in/eEchipii

🎤 We asked our recent Career Starters cohort to describe their experience in just one word – and the results speak volumes! 💡 From “exhilarating” to “educational,” these trailblazers are making the most of the opportunities at EY. 🚀 Ready to start your career journey? This opportunity will give you an insight into the world of work, and help you to decide if an EY Apprenticeship is right for you. Find out more 👇 👉ey.com/uk/apprentices👈

Hello Network, KPMG Insight Program with The Black Apprentice Network (BAN) 🤩 Yesterday, we had a fantastic session by Victor Sosanya where we learned about the power of personal branding and how important it is to craft a complete profile of who you are, what you stand for, and the values you offer. The speaker shared his own story—how he made a bold move by showing up in a suit on A-level results day and making a LinkedIn post about it. That post went viral and was a turning point in his career, proving the impact of personal branding! We also discussed the four pillars of personal branding; your story, values, passion, and what you can offer to others. Additionally, we learned about the KPMG Apprenticeship Program the opportunities they offer, how to apply, and had the chance to ask questions directly to current apprentices during an insightful panel session. It was truly a valuable experience! #PersonalBranding #KPMGInsightProgram #BlackApprenticeNetwork #Apprenticeship #CareerDevelopment #Networking