5 Pieces of National Careers Week Advice from a Deloitte Partner
By Ben Newton – 3rd March 2025
5 Pieces of Advice from a Deloitte Partner
Navigating the early stages of your career can be daunting, filled with choices that shape your future. In celebration of National Careers Week, we spoke with a Deloitte Partner who has built a remarkable career from a non-traditional entry point. His journey provides a wealth of insights applicable to anyone seeking to build a fulfilling and successful professional life. Here are five key pieces of advice gleaned from their experiences, designed to help you make informed decisions and thrive in your career:
1. Embrace Uncertainty and Forge Your Own Path
“My decision to choose an apprenticeship wasn't a straightforward one. The thoughts of going to university excited me, but deep down, I craved the energy of a big city campus which was something that the university I had chosen, couldn't offer. As the first in my family to potentially attend university, I was navigating uncharted territory. While I received well-intentioned advice, it wasn't always grounded in first-hand experience, which added to my uncertainty.
The apprenticeship programme emerged as a compelling alternative. It felt like a more direct path to where I was aiming, offering a blend of professional development and academic achievement. I was drawn to the opportunity to become a chartered accountant, gaining qualifications equivalent to those on the graduate programme while also accumulating invaluable work experience. And, if I'm being completely honest, the prospect of graduating without the burden of student debt was a definite perk.”
2. Don't Fear the "What Ifs":
“There are moments when I ponder the "what ifs" – the university experience, the continued learning in a different setting, the social dynamics, and the personal growth that comes with navigating life away from home. I'm sure it would have been incredible.
However, in many ways, I feel like I've lived those experiences through my apprenticeship. The learning never stopped, both on the job and through my chartered accountancy studies. I had the chance to live independently, and the camaraderie within our large cohort of graduates and apprentices provided a built-in social circle and support system.
Perhaps the most significant difference was the early professional network that many university graduates develop. They often enter the workforce with a ready-made network of friends in similar roles. I had to be more deliberate in cultivating those connections early on in my career.
So, have I missed out on certain things? Perhaps. But I also recognise that the university route would have meant missing out on the unique experiences and opportunities that have shaped my journey.”
3. Find Your Competitive Advantage
“One of the advantages of the apprenticeship programme was the head start it gave me. I've found myself in leadership roles at a younger age that might not have been possible through a traditional university path. This brings a unique perspective. Being closer in age to many of our people gives me, I believe, a finger on the pulse about the overall sentiment within the organisation. It allows me to connect with their experiences and perspectives on a different level, which ultimately shapes how I approach decision-making and assess the broader impact on our business.”
4. Don’t Fear What You Don’t Know
“Like many apprentices who join an organisation who historically, pre-2011, exclusively recruited graduates, I initially experienced a touch of imposter syndrome. I was convinced everyone else, armed with their university degrees, possessed this innate intellectual prowess that I lacked.
I worried that if I didn't grasp a new concept or technical skill immediately, I'd be found out. However, I soon realised that everyone, regardless of their background, faces a learning curve. The environment at Deloitte was incredibly supportive, and I quickly discovered that asking questions and seeking help was not a sign of weakness, but rather a crucial part of the learning process.”
5. Take Time to Unwind
“My one extravagance in life is holidays. Each year I try and take three consecutive weeks off, unplugging from work and exploring a new country. I find this time invaluable for hitting the reset button, both personally and professionally. A few months after my promotion, my partner and I took a three-week trip to Chile and Argentina. We spent a bit of time in Santiago and Buenos Aires, but the real highlight of the trip was heading down to Patagonia to hike the “W Trek” and visit the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. It was a long way to travel, but worth every hour of planning. The trek was a really unique experience - a complete disconnect from the noise of the world, replaced by the profound silence of nature. The only regret? We never crossed paths with an elusive puma!”
Your career journey is uniquely yours. Whether you're considering university, apprenticeships, or jumping straight into the workforce, take the time to explore your passions and strengths. The insights shared here are just a starting point. Embrace the learning process, build meaningful connections, and don't be afraid to forge your own path. Your potential is limitless, and the future is yours to shape. Start thinking about where you want to go, and take those first confident steps today.
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