As a firm, we encourage our team to develop their knowledge and skills. For many, that means taking on the challenge of qualifications. Jemma Kirk, an Insolvency Senior in our Corporate and Personal Debt Solutions Department, talks about her career path within Thomson Cooper, recent exam success and her ambitions for the future.Â
How did your career in insolvency begin?
When I left high school I headed to Edinburgh University to study for a degree in English Literature. My plan at that time was to pursue a career as a journalist. After uni, I came home to Dunfermline and started looking for a full-time job and came across the advert for Thomson Cooper. After about a week in the job I knew insolvency was something which would interest me, and I was keen to learn as much about it as I could. That was almost 15 years ago now and I’ve not thought about journalism since!
What was your first role at TC?
I started out as a Trainee Insolvency Administrator within the personal insolvency team where I learned how to administer sequestration and Trust Deed cases. After a few years I sat and passed my CPPI exam and then my role moved to the corporate insolvency team where I learned how the liquidation process works. In 2019, I sat and passed my CPI exam and at that point I decided that I wanted to take the next step and study to become an IP. In 2020, I sat and passed my JIEB Personal Insolvency Exam. I’m currently working as an Insolvency Senior involved in both corporate and personal cases.
Career highlights so far?
Biggest achievement has been passing the JIEB paper and being able to say I’m a part-qualified IP. The exams are known to be particularly testing and the study process was really intense, particularly coupled with the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. The end result was well worth all of the effort and late nights though!
What do you enjoy about your role?
The most rewarding part of the job for me is being able to help people, whether that’s directors facing the liquidation of their company, employees facing redundancy or individuals who are facing bankruptcy.
Goals for the future?
This year I’m studying towards the JIEB corporate paper which is the final piece of the puzzle for me in terms of exams. My ultimate goal would be to pass the paper and to become a fully qualified IP. I have a busy year ahead but have an excellent support network at TC, particularly with the IPs who are always happy to help with any questions I have, and I’m looking forward to a bright future with the firm.