What is a career in professional services like? A Q&A with DSW’s Young Professionals
A few weeks ago, in a canal-side bar in Deansgate, we gathered our new starters and a group of Northwest young professionals for a relaxed networking session over after-work drinks.
Not only was it an excellent opportunity to introduce our employees to each other, for the camaraderie of being new to DSW together, but it was also an opportunity to assist them in making new connections within the North-West young professional network.
Our service lines work in close-knit teams, which allows for mentoring straight from Partners and exceptional professional development support. However, being part of a wider network of professionals means that there are still plenty of opportunities to socialise with peers from DSW and other businesses.
Our graduate and entry-level employees will also be pleased to learn that we have a busy social calendar with lots going on, including both a summer and winter party, and an active CSR committee to organise charity initiatives.
Other benefits for those considering entering the professional services industry are excellent career progression opportunities alongside flexible and hybrid working options. But don’t just take it from us; let some of our new faces explain why a career with Dow Schofield Watts could be for you.
Elliot
What attracted you to a career within professional services?
It offered a way into a stable career with good prospects and allows me to learn more about businesses and how they operate.
What development would you like to see for your career in the future?
My goal is to gain a wider skillset across a range of different businesses in different industries, so that I can apply my experience to whatever clients I might work with. I also hope to gain more management experience, including people management and helping others develop.
If you had no limitations, how would you spend your time?
I’d spend more time with my family, and go to more sporting and music events, possibly travelling around the world for different motorsport events. I’d also do more cooking / baking!
Ciaran
What is it you admire about the people you work with?
They have an extremely strong work ethic and are always focused on finding solutions to problems that arise instead of complaining about them.
What attracted you to Dow Schofield Watts?
The company has a great reputation and is evolving constantly creating a fantastic business model.
What goals do you have for your career?
In the short term, I hope to gain valuable skills from DSW such as team building and strong communication. Hopefully, this should allow me, in the longer term, to pick up some great leadership skills and allow me to work my way up into a leadership role in the future.
If you had no limitations, how would you spend your time?
I believe that life has no limitations and that I would be only restricted by my own mindset, but if I had to choose, I would spend my time perfecting certain skills that I feel I am weaker at.
Alex
In your current role, which skills do you like using the most?
Problem solving & analysis
Did you learn anything unexpected while studying accounting?
I think the importance of accounting in everyday businesses. Rather than being just one department, it is a vital part of a company which feeds into all departments.
How does your role fit with your values and aspirations?
It is ambitious with the opportunity to learn and progress.
If you had no limitations, how would you spend your time?
I think I would spend time improving my knowledge and learning new skills.
Rose
In your current role, which skills do you like using the most?
I enjoy performing data analysis to assess the performance of a business and assessing the forecasts of future performance.
Did you learn anything unexpected while studying accounting?
I did a higher apprenticeship programme, so I started my ACA very soon after sixth form, and in comparison, to A-levels it was really refreshing to study something where the real-world application for your chosen career is obvious rather than just learning theory.
How does your role fit with your values and aspirations?
Corporate finance gives you the opportunity to work with hard-working entrepreneurs and businesses across a wide range of industries who have been successful in what they set out to achieve. I’m also very lucky to work with a great team who have a huge amount of CF experience I can learn from and hopefully be as successful in the future.
If you had no limitations, how would you spend your time?
I love hiking but I have terrible navigational skills, so I don’t try new walks very often for fear of getting lost, so I’d learn to read a map properly and climb plenty of mountains! I also love baking and playing sports so I would do more of both.
If you would like to apply for a role in one of our offices across the UK, please visit our vacancies page. A huge thank you to Elliot, Ciaran, Alex, and Rose for answering our questions!