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5: This Week On Apprentatips
No time to slack on your applications.
Qusai Agha
January 24, 2025
In partnership with
Hey future apprentices, this week’s email contains:
Important news from the previous week (Talk about this in your interviews!)
Weekly advice from our apprentice network.
New apprenticeship news and vacancies.
IMPORTANT: It is a currently a pivotal moment for apprenticeships, with more and more vacancies closing. Emails will now focus on later stages of the application process.
PA Consulting - Level 6 | https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000297307 | Technology |
|---|---|---|
BMW Group - Level 6 | Finance | |
Schneider Electric - Level 6 | https://peoplefirst.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/search/job/1/256977?mkt=1 | Engineering (tech available) |
VWV LLP - Level 7 | https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000296619 | Law |
Real World Application Using News:
Finance: Former COP26 President to Lead Transition Finance Council
Alok Sharma, has been appointed to this major position, in hopes to boost UK sustainability growth and initiatives.
Pro Tip: Talk about how this may this may make the UK more dynamically efficient and sustainable.Tech: Trump’s AI Data Centres
Trump announcing $500bn investments in AI data centres.
Pro Tip: Talk about what this could mean for the future power of computing, limitless potential.Engineering: Space Sector
There is currently significant growth into the space sector in the UK, employing around 50,000 people.
Pro Tip: Talk about how engineering new space craft and technology could help set the foundations of future space exploration.Law: Prince Harry’s Privacy
The owners of The Sun magazine apologises and compensates for substantial privacy damages after recent legal case.
Pro Tip: Talk about the nature of closure in high profile cases, and how justice is more likely to be served for high profile individuals than regular people.
Using real world news in your interviews is a major plus for your interviews. It shows you are proactive, competent and aware of important events in your given industry. You can reply to this email for these news sources.
A Few Words From a Degree Apprentice (PAY ATTENTION):
“1. Biggest Piece of Advice for Applicants
The most important thing is to demonstrate commercial awareness and a growth mindset. The Big 4 don’t expect you to be an expert in audit or accounting yet, but they do expect you to show that you understand:
• What the firm does and how it makes money.
• The role of audit in business and why it’s important.
• Recent financial, business, or regulatory trends that impact audit and accounting.
• How you can learn quickly, take feedback well, and adapt.
How to demonstrate this:
• Research the firm, its clients, and recent news in audit (e.g., regulation changes, scandals, or tech in audit).
• Show curiosity—mention articles, reports, or real-world examples in interviews.
• Be proactive in learning, e.g., take online courses on financial basics, audit principles, or Excel.
• Structure your answers in competency-based interviews using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
2. What Type of People Are Recruiters Looking For?
Big 4 recruiters aren’t just looking for “book smart” candidates—they need people who can handle the real-world challenges of audit. The key traits they want are:
• Resilience & Work Ethic – Audit can be demanding, so they want people who can handle pressure and meet deadlines.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – You’ll be analyzing data and financials, so attention to detail and logical thinking matter.
• Communication Skills – You’ll work in teams and speak with clients, so you need to explain things clearly.
• Curiosity and Commercial Awareness – Recruiters love candidates who show an interest in business and finance beyond their studies.
• Team Players – Collaboration is key in audit; they need people who can work well with different teams.
How to stand out:
• Show examples of times you’ve demonstrated resilience (e.g., balancing work and study, overcoming setbacks).
• Talk about how you’ve solved problems, even if they’re unrelated to finance (e.g., a job, sports, volunteering).
• Show you can communicate well by giving clear, structured answers in interviews.
• Ask good questions to demonstrate curiosity about the role and firm..”
This is genuinely some of the best advice I’ve seen, implement this as well as you can!
You all know how much we value being aware of news here. It shows employers that you actually care about your industry - and most importantly that your willing to learn.
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Thank you, we hope this email provided value, and see you next week!