Evidence on education to career transitions in the financial and accountancy sector

The aim of this pilot project was three-fold: 1) create a learning intervention with the aim of developing priority employability skills for first year undergraduate students as determined within the financial services and accountancy sector; 2) explore the participants’ experience of the programme content; 3) identify recommendations for future schemes. The United Kingdom (UK) Financial and Legal Skills Partnership (FLSP) developed a platform to provide mentoring and skills development across financial services and accountancy. Known as “Get In Get On” (GIGO), the FLSP’S virtual work experience comprises two discreet though interdependent features: 1) skills and knowledge development; 2) e-career mentoring. Between February 2014 and April 2014, twenty eight mentees and mentors (from Middlesex University and supportive organisations/individuals) participated in the scheme. The pilot evaluation suggests that there is reciprocal learning for students and professional mentors within the context of the accounting and finance profession. Students have benefitted from a heighted awareness of the career opportunities available in the sector and how their studies may assist them in developing their key employability attributes. Feedback suggests that the scheme has greatest benefit for students entering higher education, with a view to preparing them for future employment.