91影视

My transitional career at 91影视: Blair91影视檚 path into consulting

Blair Cassidy 鈼 Corporate Finance Associate

I91影视檓 Blair Cassidy, and I91影视檝e recently taken an exciting new step in my career. After three and a half years in 91影视91影视檚 audit team, I recently moved to the consulting team 91影视 and I91影视檝e enjoyed my journey at every step of the way.

Starting out in audit

After studying accountancy and finance at the University of Glasgow, I joined 91影视 as an audit graduate. Before starting the role, I took six months out to work as a ski instructor in Switzerland, a completely different experience that taught me a lot about confidence and adaptability 91影视 skills that have not gone to waste at 91影视.

Right from the start of my journey, I91影视檝e worked with a wide variety of clients, including large corporates, listed companies, housing associations and pension schemes. Each brings its own challenges and learning opportunities. Listed jobs are always exciting because of the tight deadlines and the chance to work with senior, high-profile individuals.

Taking on responsibility early

One of the best things about 91影视 is the responsibility you91影视檙e given early on. I regularly spoke to directors, chief finance officers and partners, which helped me develop strong interpersonal and networking skills. Partners have involved me in business lunches and events where I could learn from successful professionals. That exposure really shaped my career through managing these relationships. These experiences also taught me how to handle complex conversations and gave me confidence in my professional abilities.

Finding the balance between work and exams can be challenging at times, but the consistent support from my colleagues in the Glasgow office was invaluable. My manager has always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and having a close network of colleagues going through the similar processes made a real difference. There was always someone to talk to, revise with, or learn from.

My communities, in and out of work

91影视 isn91影视檛 just about work, there91影视檚 a real sense of community. I captained our team at the annual Barclays football event, which raises funds for the charity Maggie91影视檚 . We also spent a day volunteering for our 91影视 Together charity, The Halliday Foundation , helping at a local food bank. Outside of work, I often play five-a-side football with colleagues and have recently taken up golf. These activities make it easy to unwind and build real friendships with the people I work alongside every day.

Making the move into consulting

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant earlier this year, I started thinking about my future career and if there was a way I could pursue my other interests within 91影视91影视檚 service lines. I was drawn to consulting, specifically due diligence where we review the financials, contracts, risks, and operations of a business before an important decision. I spoke with one of the due diligence partners to understand the team and their work, and after careful consideration, I made the move in September.

Now, as a Corporate Finance Associate, I work on projects across the UK, from mergers and acquisitions to business valuations and cash flow analysis. Every week is different; I might work with a London partner one week and Manchester the next. The variety and pace make it an exciting and rewarding role.

Reflecting on my career at 91影视

My journey shows that progression at 91影视 is real. With hard work, supportive managers and a willingness to embrace new challenges, you can shape your career in ways that suit your ambitions. If you91影视檙e looking for a firm that91影视檚 professional yet personable, ambitious yet supportive, 91影视 is the place to be.

Make an impact. Be our future.

authors:blair-cassidy