Accounting and Finance students gain industry insights at RSM visit
Postgraduate students from the Accounting and Finance Department were recently given a unique opportunity to gain industry insight through an event hosted by audit, tax and consulting firm, RSM.
The Industry Insight Event, organised by RSM’s Accounting and Financial Reporting Manager, and Business School alumna Grace Keane (Accounting and Finance 2018), welcomed students to the firm’s Leeds office for a day of immersive learning and professional networking.
Kicking off the day, students heard from Mike Thornton, Regional Managing Partner for Yorkshire and the North East, who shared his career journey and provided an overview of RSM’s operations and ethos as a trusted adviser for mid-market businesses worldwide.
The visit featured a tour followed by a dynamic speed networking session, where students rotated between RSM colleagues from various departments including audit, tax, consulting, restructuring and private client services. These conversations allowed students to explore diverse roles within the firm, understand departmental functions, and gather practical career advice from professionals at different stages in their careers.
Dr Ahmet Karpuz, Associate Professor in Finance commented:
The visit to RSM offered our Accounting and Finance Department postgraduate students a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world insight into the professional services industry. It was great to see them engaging with practitioners and asking thoughtful questions about career paths and client work
“Feedback from students was very positive — many described the visit as an eye-opener that enhanced their understanding of the industry and professional life. They also emphasised that the experience significantly supported their employability and would be a valuable addition to their CVs."
As well as learning about RSM’s core services and internal culture, students were also given valuable information about the firm’s recruitment processes and the employability skills sought in the workplace, further boosting their career readiness.
Navin, a postgraduate Accounting and Finance student, reflected on the experience: "The session became an eye-opener in terms of how corporate offices integrate work-life balance in a multicultural environment. I especially appreciated learning about the values of the firm and the emphasis on empathy through their volunteering initiatives. The insights from the 'Restructuring' and 'Private Client Services' teams particularly helped me upgrade my understanding of how the real world operates."
The event not only provided students with a clearer picture of what a career in professional services might look like, but also underscored the importance of curiosity, adaptability and relationship-building in the modern workplace.
Find out more about how the Business School is working with students here.
