TGt Meets… Megan Atwood of Optimum Professional Services

This is a special edition of TGt Meets, celebrating National Apprenticeship Week! We interviewed Megan Atwood, an Audit and Accounts trainee at Optimum Professional Services.

1. What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship?

I felt it would be better suited it to me over working full time elsewhere or going to university as not only would I gain hands on experience, but I would also achieve relevant qualifications in a career that interests me.

2. Which field are you working in and studying?

Accounting.

3. What is one thing you look forward to when going to work?

I look forward to working alongside my colleagues.

4. Can you describe a time when you faced a difficult challenge in your apprenticeship, and how you overcame it?

A difficult challenge I faced in this apprenticeship was when I first started and was very overwhelmed with the difficulty of the level 3 AAT course. I overcome this challenge by talking to my colleagues about it. They helped with topics by setting up study sessions during work and simplifying the basics of accounting as I had no knowledge prior to starting the apprenticeship.

5. How do you approach working with others, especially those who may have more experience than you?

I work collaboratively with others by actively listening but also asking for help when it’s needed. Also, in my line of work, the working papers and accounts I do get reviewed consistently and frequently.

As I know the reviewer has significantly more knowledge and skills than myself, I use their review points and advice to my advantage to progress in this industry and widen my own skills.

6. What is a long-term career goal that you have, and how will your apprenticeship help you achieve it?

A long-term career goal I have is to become a qualified accountant. This apprenticeship can help me achieve this as I am currently working towards my level 3 AAT qualification, which will enable me to progress further within this industry.

7. What’s one thing you hope to gain from this apprenticeship experience?

I hope to gain the experience I need to progress in this industry.

Visit Optimum Professional Services's website.