READER Enquiries

In our pilot issue of Finito World, we shared with readers our first set of questions from students. Over the summer we sent these to experienced Finito mentors Andy Inman, Dana James-Edwards, Sophia Petrides, and Robin Rose, who have provided us with the answers.

Iam holding graduate scheme offers from two top accountancy firms, beginning in September. One offer is dependent on my degree result; the other is not. I am worried that my final result awarded might not satisfy the conditional entry requirements and if that is not worrying enough, both firms are reviewing whether to simply postpone the scheme by a year. Which offer should I accept and, if they postpone, what should I do for the next 12 months?

Christopher, 24 Manchester

Sophia As they are both top accountancy firms, either company will give you the opportunity to develop yourself and gain the right experience to grow in your role. In life, we can’t worry about things beyond our control. You have done your best with your exams and that’s all you can do for now. If neither firm has given you a timeline when you need to sign the contract, wait until you get your exam results and then decide which company to go with. However, if the other company is putting pressure on you to sign the contract, as this role is not dependent on your grades, then go ahead and sign. In the meantime, I would continue searching for other job opportunities in order to have options available, in case they decide to postpone the scheme until 2021.

Dana Think back to when you were going through the interview process at both firms. Consider your experience, the people you met and the feelings you had throughout. Which firm could you see yourself fitting into and working at better? Then, think back to the day when you found out you had an offer. Was there an offer that made you more excited than the other? Ultimately, where would you prefer to work? Once you know the answer to that question, consider whether that place is worth waiting a year for.

Ihave been forced to return home from university and don't know whether I can return to continue my studies. Although I love my family, things are becoming intolerable. My studies keep getting interrupted by home life. I cannot concentrate, miss the peace of my library and worry about my future. Do you have any advice?

Mia,

21 Leeds

Robin It sounds like you need a family discussion about boundaries. They may be making demands on you but probably also want to do the best they can to support your studies. Try to get them to agree to a set number of hours a day when you are not available, as that is your study time. If you envisage this situation existing for the foreseeable future, maybe you should consider transferring your studies to the Open University. It may take you longer than you initially planned but an OU degree is well respected by the business world.

Andy As far as worrying about your future is concerned, it’s true to say we are entering a period of economic uncertainty, however that means there will be opportunities for individuals who have drive and passion and are able to employ lateral thinking. I would work out the best way to find some peace and quiet while studying and then take one day at a time in a confident and determined manner.

My father has told me to forget about seeking a career in the professions and to re-align my sights on logistics. The sound of the role really puts me off, despite being an ASOS customer and buying all my shoes and cosmetics online. It fills me with horror, the thought of spending my next few years dealing with fashion brands online. What shall I do?

Ava, 23 Bath

Andy I’m sure your father has your best interests at heart. He is not wrong to point you towards a growing sector. However, there is no point in pursuing a career that does not excite you. Sir James M. Barrie is quoted as saying: “Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.”

Sophia Start by carving some time out for future planning, which is something that we at Finito always encourage. Think about your key strengths and competencies alongside the things you would ideally like to be able to do in your future role and what is most important to you about the work you do. Then, research and brainstorm roles and career paths that don’t fill you with horror, but allow you to maximise your skills and include elements that you would enjoy.

Ihave been attracted to a career focused on addressing the climate emergency. My parents find me very difficult and threatened to stop giving me financial support when they saw that I have been taking part in Extinction Rebellion demonstrations. Given that coronavirus has in one fell swoop changed the world immeasurably, will there be any roles for someone like me, now that the aircraft are grounded, pollution levels are falling and solar ice caps might stop melting?

Aarti, 19 Edinburgh

Sophia Don't lose your passion. With everything in life, open communication is vital, and we have to see things from everyone's perspective. I have no doubt that your parents respect your views: however, they worry about your well-being when involved with widespread activism. Have you considered sitting down with your parents, explaining the purpose of these events, and providing positive outcomes?

Dana You are right that Covid-19 has changed the world immeasurably, but we have no assurance that the beneficial changes in relation to climate change and the environment will be sustained into the future. The lockdown certainly hasn’t proven that we can reduce emissions in the longer term, as we need to in order to promote real environmental change and prevent global warming from becoming worse. In fact, what the pandemic has shown us is that even in a crisis, there will always be people who decide against taking positive required action, even when those actions are in everyone’s best interest. As a result, there is much work still to be done in the space you have chosen and the movement can surely benefit from an activist as passionate as you are.

Ihave always wanted to start a business. Now that the economy is going through an extended downturn, how am I going to raise the start-up funding to make a success of this project? My parents are yelling at me to get experience first. I am looking for opportunities but there are none. This is really frightening but I sense an opportunity.

Chloe, 22 Bristol

Robin Do not worry about the economy: that’s the government’s problem, and there is always room for someone like you with drive and conviction. The success of any start-up depends on three critical factors. You must ask yourself firstly, if you have a product or service for which there is a demand. Secondly, do you have sufficient resilience to overcome the numerous obstacles all start-ups have to face? Finally, are you able to provide – or can you partner with someone - who has the business skills you have yet to acquire? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then there are numerous loans and grants available for people like you.

Iam a creative soul. I like to touch, feel and appreciate the aesthetics of fabric. I have always seen myself working in a creative environment, maybe in the arts. My careers adviser at school tells me that there is no money in the arts, especially now. Where can I find some alternative inspiration so as to connect me with the beauty within and give me a chance to express myself in a meaningful career?

Olivia, 18 London

Robin If you have a passion for the touch and feel for fabric, I suggest you contact The Shirley Institute. Though they are possibly not currently recruiting, they are good people to know and will point you in the right direction. They are extremely well connected with fashion houses throughout the world. If this is what you want for your career, then take control and follow your heart.