Samantha Dean

BA (Hons) ACCA

Supervisor

  • Degree
  • Accounting and Finance at Robert Gordon University
  • Location
  • Forfar

I also enjoyed the variety of work you get to do at EQ. At the time I didn’t appreciate the benefit of this and was just enjoying the variation day to day. However, on my return to fourth year (and in my professional exams after uni) I realised how much of an advantage I had in comparison to other students.

Where and what did you study at University?
I went to Robert Gordon University (RGU) in 2011 to study Accountancy and Finance.

Why did you choose to apply to EQ Accountants to undertake a student placement?
With RGU being in Aberdeen, the majority of the placements are available there, a lot of these being in industry. This never appealed to me and I knew I wanted to do a placement in practice instead, closer to home in Arbroath as well – if possible. When I saw EQ’s placement advertised in the placement office, I knew it was ideal for me!

Describe what a normal day was like during your student placement?
From the very beginning I was made to feel like any of the other trainees/graduates. I would attend the same training as them, as well as being given the same kind of work.

The majority of my work on placement involved accounts preparation. Later in my placement I began preparing tax returns and doing more tax work in general, I also attended and helped on an audit as well.

What did you enjoy most about your time at EQ during your student placement?
Everyone at EQ was so patient and helpful, even in the final weeks of my placement they were still happy to sit down and explain or help me with anything, whether it was going over tax computations or just having my debits and credits the wrong way around (which happened a lot!)

I also enjoyed the variety of work you get to do at EQ. At the time I didn’t appreciate the benefit of this and was just enjoying the variation day to day. However, on my return to fourth year (and in my professional exams after uni) I realised how much of an advantage I had in comparison to other students.

What did you find the most surprising during your time with EQ?
This would probably have to be the social events! These happened regularly throughout my time on placement and were great for getting to know everyone. Some of the social events that I got to attend whilst at EQ were Go-Ape, BBQ’s, Go-karting and the annual tax return night out at the end of January.

What 3 qualities do you think a student looking for a placement position needs to have if they are to be successful?
Good people skills, motivation and willingness to learn.

Do you have any advice for those interested in applying for our student placement vacancy this year?
Be yourself! Although exam results are obviously important, it is equally important at EQ able to be able communicate well and get along with people.