From Classroom to Career: My Journey with Career Ready and Thomson Cooper
Hi, I’m Xavier, a final-year student at Craigmount High School in Edinburgh. A fun fact about me? My family currently has 11 pets—yes, it’s as chaotic and wonderful as it sounds!
Over the past 7 months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Career Ready programme, including a work placement with Thomson Cooper.
Building Skills That Matter
During my internship at Thomson Cooper, I significantly improved two key skills: communication and time management. Whether it was speaking with colleagues or managing tasks efficiently, I learned how important it is to stay organised and express myself clearly in a professional setting.
The Power of Real-World Experience
Out of all the components of the Career Ready programme, the work placement stood out as the most valuable. Being in a real workplace gave me insights that no classroom could offer. It helped me understand what a career in accountancy truly involves and confirmed that it’s the path I want to pursue.
Lessons from the Professionals
One of the biggest takeaways from interacting with professionals was learning that asking for help is okay. I also discovered the importance of punctuality and that there’s no need to overdress—being presentable and authentic goes a long way.
Looking Ahead
I plan to include my internship experience on my CV, and the mock interview I participated in taught me to be more confident, maintain eye contact, and most importantly, be myself. These lessons will definitely help me in future job applications and interviews.
My Career Aspirations
My ideal career is in accountancy. I’m drawn to the structure, the problem-solving, and the opportunity to work with numbers in a meaningful way. When I think about my future job, I’m looking for three key things:
- A positive working environment
- Strong teamwork
- And of course, good pay
Thanks to Career Ready and Thomson Cooper, I feel more prepared and excited for what lies ahead.