I joined RGS for Sixth Form, where I studied an Extended BTEC Diploma in Sport, equivalent to three A Levels, alongside A Level Mathematics. At that stage, I didn’t have a fixed long-term career plan, but I knew I wanted to go straight into work and learn through practical experience. I secured my apprenticeship with EY halfway through Sixth Form, which gave me a clear next step and the opportunity to start working towards becoming a chartered accountant while exploring the different career opportunities available.

What attracted me most to the apprenticeship route was the chance to gain a professional qualification while getting real experience working with clients. At 18, I didn’t fully understand all the career options available, and I felt there was no better way to find out than by working in the industry. The apprenticeship meant being paid to learn rather than paying to attend university, while gaining a globally recognised professional qualification 2 years earlier compared to completing an under graduate degree and then joining a training programme. Apprenticeships are highly competitive, so I’d recommend applying widely and having a sensible backup plan. I also applied to university and deferred my place in case I changed my mind after starting work.

Before joining EY, I gained work experience with organisations including St James’s Place and Surrey County Cricket Club. Having that experience was really valuable when I applied for EY, as it gave me something practical to talk about in interviews. Work experience doesn’t need to determine your whole career; it can simply help you understand how different workplaces operate and give you examples to draw on. Finding opportunities yourself also shows that you’re motivated and willing to put yourself forward. I’d recommend starting early and gaining experience wherever you can, even if it isn’t directly related to the career you eventually choose. It helps you become more confident speaking to new people and gives employers a better sense of the type of person you are.

There wasn’t one particular person or moment at RGS that shaped the route I took. More broadly, RGS showed me that the opportunities available after Sixth Form were almost endless and encouraged me to think about what I could do. I also learned that you sometimes have to take ownership of your next step. When it came to the apprenticeship, I researched the process and pushed it forward myself. Just as importantly, some of my closest friends today are people I met during Sixth Form, which is probably one of the things I value most about my time at RGS.

Completing the ICAEW Level 7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship is a major milestone for me. I’ve completed all the technical and practical requirements, so am officially ACA qualified as a chartered accountant.

I’ve been at EY for four years, gaining valuable work experience alongside strudying for my professional qualification. Going to university first and then completing the same training could have taken around six years. The exams are challenging and aren’t meant to be easy, but they’re definitely achievable if you’re willing to put in the time and preparation.

The biggest challenge has been balancing studying with long hours, new clients and increasing responsibility at work. I now work in EY’s Global Compliance and Reporting Tax team, focusing on private equity and reporting fund clients. The experience has helped develop my technical knowledge, presentation and communication skills. I’ve also learned how to lead teams and delegate work, including to colleagues who may be older.

I reconnected with the Reigatian community by reaching out to the RGS Foundation over email. They introduced me to a couple of people whose careers were relevant to the areas I wanted to explore. From there, it was up to me to follow up and arrange the conversations. That has led to further discussions and given me the chance to speak to people outside my usual network. It’s been particularly useful as I’ve come to the end of my training programme and started thinking more carefully about how I might use my experience in the future.

The introductions are still fairly recent, so I wouldn’t want to overstate where they may lead. However, the RGS Foundation has already helped me have conversations with people I wouldn’t otherwise have met. Those conversations have helped me understand different career paths and broaden my view of what I could do next. The introduction opens the door, but it’s then up to you to make the most of the opportunity.

I’ve learned that networking isn’t about asking someone for an immediate opportunity. It’s more about speaking to people, learning from their experiences and building relationships over time. Even a short conversation can help you understand an industry better or introduce you to someone who can offer a different perspective. You do still have to take ownership and stay in touch rather than expecting one introduction to do all the work.

The biggest lesson from my journey from RGS Sixth Former to EY Senior and ACA qualified in four years, has been to take responsibility for my own development. Starting work at 18 was a steep learning curve, but one that I have really enjoyed. I had to get used to working with clients, delivering work to deadlines and learning technical material while also studying.

As I progressed, I also had to learn how to lead a team, delegate clearly and support people with different levels of experience. The apprenticeship route won’t suit everyone, but I’ve enjoyed being able to shape the work I get involved in and make decisions about my career from a young age. Motivation and organisation matter, but so does being willing to ask questions, take on feedback and keep improving.

Morgan's Top Tip

My top tip for RGS students is to do your research and start early. Look for opportunities to gain experience, take responsibility and meet new people. Speak to people, ask questions and apply widely rather than relying on one opportunity.

Think about how you’ll differentiate yourself, whether that’s through work experience, extracurricular activities or something you’ve gone out and organised yourself. Make use of the connections available through RGS and the RGS Foundation, but remember that it’s up to you to follow up and make the most of those opportunities.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, keep your options open and have a backup plan, but don’t be afraid to choose a different route just because it’s not the one everyone else is taking. I would be happy to hear from anybody considering the apprenticeship route, so please reach out.