ICAEW spotlight PQ
T
he ACA isn’t all work, work, work. Students can attend a wide range of professional and social events throughout the year through their local society. ICAEW is one of the few accountancy bodies with fully-functioning, selfsufficient student societies across the country; a definitive benefit while studying the qualification. But what is an ICAEW Student Society? They are run by students, for students. All trainees automatically join their local student society when they register with ICAEW. Each society has a committee dedicated to organising events and activities throughout the year; from ACA revision sessions, skills-based seminars such as negotiating for success, to football tournaments, pub quizzes and the annual society ball. Trainees can meet fellow students who are also on their ACA journey, from a wide range of industries and organisations. And why should trainees attend events? Alex Narang, current Chair of the ICAEW Manchester Student Society (MCASS) says “the main skill I have developed by attending these events is how to network and build relationships with new people, something that is a vital skill for an accountant”. And, they’re fun! Here’s what some of the ICAEW student societies have been up to over the past few months.
Manchester On 24 July, the trainees of Manchester celebrated the end of Summer exams on a traditional wide-beam canal boat. Fifty guests enjoyed food and drinks, with onboard karaoke and ice breaking games. Another sell-out boat party! South and East Wales On 26 July, the ICAEW South and East Wales student society held its annual summer ball at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. 85 students and members attended the event which included a three course meal as well as entertainment such as casino tables, sweet carts, professional photographer and photo booth. London On 1 July the London, Thames Valley and Southern student societies hosted a combined revision session with ACA Simplified, for students sitting their July Case Study exam. Just under 200 trainees gathered in central London. We’re always looking for new committee members. All ICAEW students are encouraged to join the committee of their local student society, who meet regularly to organise events, and discuss matters that affect other students across the country. Contact details can be found at icaew.com/studentgroups PQ • Thanks to the ICAEW for this article PQ Magazine October 2019
Work smart, WHAT’S ON play smart 13 September Post exam social, Bristol
17 September Flight Club Darts, Manchester 19 September InflateSpace, Newcastle
There’s a whole host of great social events taking place across the country – why not join the party?
19 September Young professionals networking, Chester 20 September Boat party, Cardiff Bay 20 September Introduction to the ACA, London 24 September Yoga for busy people, Bristol 25 September Annual dinner, Edinburgh 28 September Chester races, Chester 3 October Student quiz night, Nottingham 4 October Student quiz and curry, Sheffield 4 October Annual student ball, Manchester 9 October Bowling, Preston 10 October New starters’ event, Newcastle 10 October Future leaders – talks and networking, Birmingham 21 October Case study revision, Birmingham
So – what’s next? Attend an event, of course! If you’re an ICAEW student and haven’t already booked onto an upcoming student society event you can do so by going to icaew.com/events 13