The day that I received a phone call in August to say that I had been selected to take on the role of Graduate Apprentice 2007 is one of those moments that I can say has actually changed my life. I was selected as only the second person to fill this role, taking over from Darvinder Kang who had a hugely successful year! I was delighted to know that I would be attempting to fill his shoes, and without hesitation I accepted.
The next few days were pretty hectic, arranging accommodation, signing contracts, working out what would actually make the trip from Devon to Birmingham, and most of all, shouting about my fantastic new opportunity to anyone who would listen!
The Graduate Apprentice is a unique and fantastic opportunity, and that is what attracted me to the role. While I had only come across the role via Laura’s Birmingham University Career’s Website, I had managed to fight off the competition and would now complete three 16 week placements at three very different firms. Deloitte would show me what working for a global giant was really like, LMM would give me the chance to work in a new and emerging market as part of a family run business, and 3Form would see me working with perhaps one of the most creative people you would ever meet. The whole experience would see me working heavily within Birmingham’s business community, and would allow me to develop my own network which would one day enable me to be part of the city’s success.
Back in August, I had no idea of the incredible roller coster ride that awaited me, and I could not be more excited about the chance I would have to make my mark on a fantastic city. My first role would be with Deloitte, in the International Tax Department… so my first job was to find out exactly what International Tax was all about…
