Should I go straight into work after leaving school?

Wright Vigar has great opportunities for school leavers to join a company that puts you and your career first! Hear from Pippa Ray about why she decided to go straight into work and what she loves about her job. 

‘After working in retail, earning my own pennies and having a sense of freedom, I was torn between two complete opposite career paths; either going to university to study Media or doing something involving numbers and finance. However, a position came up at a Top 40 firm as a tax trainee in Lincoln and the opportunity to work full time, gain experience whilst studying towards a qualification, and no university debt(!) had me sold. I have now been working in tax just shy of 10 years and I am fully qualified in both AAT and ATT.

Although I originally thought having a university degree would be the only way to secure a successful career, I soon realised that apprenticeships are just as well respected and can get you into the same professional job role you desire, if not quicker!

Within my first couple of months as a tax trainee, I started to go on courses towards gaining my ATT qualification. I held my own portfolio of clients which helped me towards my studies, as I was already getting ‘on the job’ training. I was responsible for the preparation and submission of both personal and partnership tax returns, checking client PAYE codes, reconciling tax positions, and advising clients in good time about their tax liabilities. No day is the same working in tax!

Starting as a tax trainee so young helped me to build my confidence both with my colleagues and clients, it helped me with my time management to balance both work and revision, and it enabled me to become a qualified tax advisor (and qualified by experience) much sooner than most university graduates!

I knew from my first interview at Wright Vigar that it was the kind of working environment that I wanted to be in. My colleagues and managers are approachable and supportive, and I’m not one to miss out on our social events! I have been given more opportunities to excel in my career and expand my knowledge. I now get involved in numerous networking events too which has allowed me to increase my confidence no end.

Since working at Wright Vigar, I quickly learnt that working in tax doesn’t have to be so ‘taxing’, everyone in the office is willing to help if needed and has your best interests at heart, and the flexibility to working hours make my work-to-life balance so much better!’

If you are interested in starting a position with Wright Vigar please send your CV & covering letter in confidence to John Richmond (HR Manager) vacancies@wrightvigar.co.uk