Persistence counts for first-class accountancy graduate

10 September 2021

Polish scholar lands sought-after role

A European graduate from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is celebrating having landed a sought-after role with one of the world’s largest accountancy and financial services firms.

Weronika Szmyt, aged 24, from Kalisz, Poland has just graduated with a First from UCLan’s BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and recently landed an audit associate role with Grant Thornton UK LLP and is now studying towards the prestigious ICAEW ACA qualification.

The determined student, who decided to study accountancy because she was told it was a challenging degree, also won a six-month battle to receive maintenance funding.

“As well as studying on the course I was also working to support myself financially,” Weronika explained. “As a European student I knew I could apply for a maintenance loan, but I needed to prove I was working the required hours as well. It was a difficult situation and I wanted to give up many times, so it was a fantastic feeling once I was awarded the money because it took a significant pressure off my shoulders.”

"My advice to anyone currently studying, or thinking about taking the plunge, is don’t give up and go for it. Stay persistent and resilient, take every opportunity that comes your way and it will all pay off in the end, irrespective of your background"

Accounting and finance graduate Weronika Szmyt

With the funding in place the driven student set about making the best of the opportunities presented by her degree programme.

“I really enjoyed the intensity and diversity of the course which involved different aspects of finance such as law, accountancy and business. In between my studies I also undertook a year’s work placement, specialising in the area of audit, which was the best thing I could have done in terms of boosting my hard and soft skills as well as my employability,” she continued. “All the hard work has been worth it and with the career opportunity as an audit associate at Grant Thornton now underway, I’m looking to take the professional examinations to become a chartered accountant.

“My advice to anyone currently studying, or thinking about taking the plunge, is don’t give up and go for it. Stay persistent and resilient, take every opportunity that comes your way and it will all pay off in the end, irrespective of your background. As long as you are willing to work hard you can achieve anything you want in life.”