Hi, my name is Chloe,

After six and a half years of working at Old Mill, I have grown from a college leaver with no accountancy knowledge to being a client manager with my own client portfolio. Over this time I have completed my ACA, ATT and AAT qualifications.

When I came to Old Mill, I had just received my A Level qualifications in Business, Maths and Law. I decided that university life was not for me and instead looked for local apprenticeships so I could still gain knowledge without the student debt.

My apprenticeship has given me everything I know by bridging the gap between theory and practice. It has allowed me to solidify my understanding and apply what I was learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios instantly. This hands-on approach has been fundamental to my development and has played a major role in my journey from a 19 year old college leaver to becoming an ACA qualified accountant.

I enjoy working at Old Mill because I thrive from a practical approach of learning, I love being able to take something from class and put it into practice straight away and this immediate impact makes my work feel rewarding. Plus, with the continuous flow of learning, I can stay on top of the latest developments in my field instead of spending years in traditional study where knowledge can be out of date before you finish the qualification.

Aside from the knowledge, I enjoy working at Old Mill for the people, we have such a strong camaraderie, and the cake always helps!

Managing work and study has been a huge learning curve for me and it hasn’t come easy. I’ve learnt the importance have to give yourself allocated time to take breaks and it’s okay to give yourself permission to press pause. I now understand that prioritising my well-being is essential for long-term success, and it only makes me more resilient in the end.

Looking ahead in my career, I’m eager to continue building my client portfolio and deepen existing relationships internally and externally. I am also looking forward to strengthening connections within the local community and participating in more networking events. On a personal note, with my evenings now free, I’m excited to read for pleasure again instead of textbooks. That said, my evenings aren’t entirely free – I recently purchased a second puppy, so my evenings are now filled with lots of playful energy and puppy training to keep me busy.

Things I wish I knew before I started my apprenticeship:

It’s okay to feel like an imposter – Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you’re starting something new. You might feel like you don’t belong or that you’re not ready, but trust me those feelings pass. The more you put in the work and as time goes on, the more you’ll realize you do belong and you’re capable.

Prioritise balance – It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of learning and proving yourself, but don’t forget to take care of your well-being. Burnout is real, and the best way to succeed in the long run is to give yourself time to recharge. Be kind to yourself and take breaks when you need them.

You’re building a strong foundation – As you go through the grind, you might not always see the full picture, but everything you’re learning now is building the foundation for your future. Every day spent here, no matter how tough, is one step closer to becoming the skilled professional you want to be.

Like what you see? Take a look at our current vacancies or apply speculatively at careers@om.uk.