From an LSBU Open Day to a career in accounting: Seon’s story
Seon knew from 6th Form that numbers were where his strengths lay. After choosing Maths and Economics at A-level, he realised he wanted to turn that interest into a career in accounting and finance. He discovered LSBU at an Open Day and found his opportunity to gain the practical experience he was looking for.
During his degree, LSBU’s Careers team helped Seon secure a placement at Great Ormond Street Hospital, while opportunities beyond the classroom helped him build his confidence and skills. Now an Assistant Management Accountant at Boxpark, he’s continuing to progress his career and work towards his ACCA qualification.
What made you choose Accounting and Finance?
I knew from quite an early stage that I wanted to pursue a career in accounting and finance. After finishing my GCSEs in 2018, I started thinking about which subjects would help me move towards that goal. I generally enjoyed numerical subjects more than theoretical ones, so choosing Maths for A-level was an easy decision. I also chose Economics because I knew it would involve some numerical and financial analysis. My third subject was more difficult. My sixth form didn’t offer Accounting or Finance, so I chose Geography, which had been one of my favourite GCSE subjects. If Accounting or Finance had been available, I would have chosen one of them.
When did you realise Accounting and Finance was the right choice for you?
As my A-levels progressed, I became more certain about the direction I wanted to take. Although I enjoyed Economics, I realised that much of the course focused on theoretical analysis, with a smaller amount of numerical work. I enjoyed both sides, but I was particularly drawn to the numerical element.
That gave me my 'eureka moment'. I realised I wanted a subject that was more focused on numbers, while still giving me the opportunity to develop my analytical skills. That led me back to Accounting and Finance. When it came to completing my UCAS application, I applied exclusively for Accounting and Finance undergraduate courses.
Why did you choose LSBU?
By the time university Open Days came around, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Accounting and Finance and had a good idea of the route I needed to take. I attended LSBU’s Open Day at the end of February 2020, just two weeks before the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Three things stood out to me. LSBU had a strong reputation for Accounting and Finance, a good track record of helping students secure placement years, and a focus on helping graduates move into graduate roles and full-time employment. By the end of the day, I knew LSBU was where I wanted to study.
How did LSBU help you gain real-world experience?
After completing my first two years at LSBU, it was time to look for a placement year. From the beginning, I had always told myself that I needed to gain experience in my chosen field. I was thinking about my career from the moment I applied to university, which was one of the reasons I specifically chose courses that offered a placement year.
Securing a placement was tough, even though I started applying early. One evening, while doing coursework research in the old Perry Library, I saw an email from the university careers team. It explained that students could book one-to-one sessions to help with cover letters and tailor their CVs for NHS placement applications. I stopped what I was doing and booked a session.
After several one-to-one sessions with Heidi Hinchcliffe, who played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today, the university applied for the NHS placement on my behalf. Following an online interview, Heidi called me later that day with the news that Great Ormond Street Hospital wanted me to join them for my placement year.
She told me I “have to say yes!”
It genuinely felt like some of the best news I had ever received. My mum even cried when Heidi spoke to her on the phone.
What else did you get involved with at LSBU?
My experience at LSBU wasn’t just about my degree. I became an LSBU Sports Ambassador at the beginning of my second year. I’m very sporty, so when I came across the opportunity, applying was a no-brainer.
I was also a project member of a society supporting the Black and Ethnic Minority community. As part of this, I helped encourage students across our Southwark campus to take part in focus groups run by Andy Owusu, the university’s Project Officer for Black Students.
Getting involved in societies gave me the opportunity to meet different people, develop new skills and make the most of university life. I’d strongly encourage students to get involved in some way. There really is a society for everyone.
How did your LSBU experience build your confidence?
My placement at Great Ormond Street Hospital, alongside my involvement in societies and other university activities, helped me develop skills that have been incredibly valuable since graduating. I became more confident communicating with people from different backgrounds and developed my organisation and prioritisation skills.
I also learned how to collaborate with colleagues to achieve shared objectives – something that has helped me both professionally and academically, particularly when working on group assignments.
These are skills that stay with you beyond university and can make a real difference when you move into the workplace.
Where has your LSBU degree taken you?
Six weeks after completing my final exam, I secured a job at Boxpark as an Accounts Assistant. Just over two years later, I’ve progressed to Assistant Management Accountant and I’m currently working towards completing my ACCA qualification. I now have just two papers left to pass before I achieve full qualification status.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come since starting at LSBU.
What advice would I give to future LSBU students?
My biggest piece of advice is to start preparing early. Don’t leave things until the last minute, because you can miss out on opportunities.
With a few months of my final year still to go, my CV and LinkedIn profile were already fully updated with the experience I’d gained through my placement and university jobs. That preparation paid off. A recruiter came across my LinkedIn profile and contacted me about a vacancy at Boxpark. I went through the interview process and secured the role just six weeks after completing my final exam.
I’d also strongly encourage students to do a placement year in their chosen field, unless they already have relevant part-time work or volunteering experience.
Even though I graduated with First Class Honours, I’d say that gaining practical experience in my field has played an even more significant role in my career so far.
Be proactive, and you’ll be rewarded for it.