I started at Hymans Robertson in London, a short three months ago. Since then, I have flown to the Glasgow office for a week of induction training, hosted meetings with experienced team members, developed my skills on client projects, made good friends across the company practices (departments), and represented the firm at two careers fairs.

While the above list is by no means exhaustive it acts as a preview of the range of experiences I have gained at the firm already. As the only London graduate this year in the growing and collaborative Life and Financial Services team (LFS), I have had a unique experience working alongside my team with client development, networking at a large Hymans conference and attending client meetings.

Towards the end of October, I was given the opportunity to attend the careers fairs at both Kent University and Warwick University. I must say it was rather déjà vu to be back on a university campus, especially campuses which were almost as beautiful as Southampton’s was for me. It was certainly an eye opener for me to be on the receiving end of the questions at the fairs which I once attended to ask similar questions.

It gave me another opportunity to practise my networking skills and it taught me how much I have learnt since joining the firm. I was able to answer questions that, this time last year, I didn’t even know existed. It was comforting to be able to advertise the company in a positive way by just telling the truth about our open culture and transparent way of working. Having gone through the selection process so recently I was able to give tips that I know helped me last year. Tips such as: “be friendly, open and straightforward”; “ask questions - it’s better to ask and find out than not to know at all”, and “speak clearly and with a smile”. These are attributes that are evident across this company, exhibited by partners who own the firm  to the support staff, to those visiting from other offices.

Good luck to all those who have applied to the firm, or are going to. It was lovely to meet some of you at the careers fairs.