My background

I am originally from Malaysia and completed my A-levels there after attending an American international school in China for middle and high school. I have always had an international background and enjoyed being exposed to different cultures and perspectives. At A-levels, I studied Accounting, Economics and Mathematics, which helped me realise that I was particularly interested in subjects that combined analytical thinking with an understanding of how businesses operate. This naturally led me to consider accounting as a degree and career path.

Why I chose BSc Accounting at The University of Manchester

I have always been interested in the business world, but I also enjoyed mathematics and analytical problem-solving, so accounting felt like a natural way of bringing these interests together. I was also attracted to the fact that accounting can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, rather than limiting you to one particular path.

I chose The University of Manchester because I wanted to study at a large, internationally recognised university where I would have the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and experience life in a diverse city. I was also drawn to the balance between academic learning and the wider opportunities available to students, from societies and extracurricular activities to careers support and opportunities to gain professional experience alongside my studies.

Memorable experiences and key takeaways

One of the most memorable parts of my time at Manchester was the people I met. Joining different societies gave me the opportunity to meet people outside of my course and provided a great sense of community, which was especially important while adapting to university life away from home. One of my biggest takeaways from university is to be willing to put yourself out there and try things, even when you are unsure of the outcome. Some of the experiences and opportunities I value most came from simply taking that first step. I also learnt that university is a big place, and there is no need to feel pressured to fit into a particular group. There are so many different people and communities that, with time, you are likely to find people you genuinely connect with and feel comfortable being yourself around.

Career development since graduating

As part of my degree, I completed a placement year with EY Manchester in the Global Compliance and Reporting team, where I gained practical experience in corporate tax, including tax audits and the preparation and filing of tax returns for clients. The placement gave me a much clearer understanding of what working in the profession was like and helped me develop an interest in tax. Following the placement, I was fortunate to receive an offer to return to EY after completing my degree. I later relocated to the London office, where I have continued working in the same team while studying towards my professional chartered accountant qualification. I am now approaching the next stage of my career, with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility as I progress towards becoming a part-qualified senior.

How the course supported my career development

The course gave me a strong foundation in accounting, business and finance, while also allowing me to explore different areas of the profession. In particular, studying different aspects of accounting helped me discover my interest in tax, which ultimately influenced the direction I took after university. The academic knowledge from the course has also provided a useful foundation for my professional studies and day-to-day work.

Beyond the academic content, I found the support and opportunities provided by the course particularly valuable. For example, the programme director organised speed-interview sessions with different companies, giving us the opportunity to practise our interview skills and receive feedback in a supportive environment. I also had an academic advisor throughout my studies, who I met with regularly to discuss my progress, the course and any other aspects of university life. Having that consistent point of contact was reassuring and helped me make the most of my time at Manchester.

Advice for future applicants

My biggest piece of advice would be not to feel that you need to have everything figured out before you start university. It is completely fine for your interests and career plans to develop along the way. Try to make the most of the opportunities available to you, even if they initially feel outside your comfort zone – whether that is joining a society, applying for an internship or placement, speaking to someone from a company, or simply trying something new. You never know where an opportunity might lead.

I would also encourage students to speak up and ask questions. University is a good place to learn not only from your lecturers, but also from your classmates, advisors, societies and the wider university community. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and give yourself time to find your own path. There is no single way to make the most of university, so focus on finding what works for you rather than comparing your experience with everyone else’s.

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