Advisory Associate

Maria’s path from audit intern to Advisory Associate

I grew up in Dubai and moved to London in 2021 to study Economics at UCL. That move was a big step, but it opened up so many opportunities – including the chance to explore a career in accountancy at Grant Thornton.

My journey began with an internship in audit. I chose the internship route because I wanted practical experience – something that would help me understand the kind of work I’d be doing and the environment I’d be part of. It gave me a solid foundation in accounting principles and client engagement, and more importantly, a real insight into the firm’s culture.

Stepping into advisory

After graduating in 2023, I rejoined Grant Thornton through the Transaction Advisory Services graduate scheme. During my internship, I found myself drawn to the fast-paced, deal-oriented nature of advisory work. It felt like a great fit for my interests and aspirations, and I’ve really enjoyed the transition.

Stepping into the graduate role came with a clear step-up in responsibility. My days now involve financial analysis, reviewing client data, drafting due diligence reports, and supporting ongoing deals. There’s regular communication with managers and clients, which keeps things dynamic and engaging.

Looking back, the internship really helped me build confidence and peer networks, making the transition into the graduate programme much smoother. It gave me much-needed clarity about the kind of work I wanted to do – and the kind of team I wanted to be part of.

Developing with feedback and new opportunities

Working in Transaction Advisory Services means being exposed to a wide range of sectors, from consumer to software to professional services. Each project brings a new client and team, which has pushed my development forward and kept the work exciting.

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been embracing new challenges and opportunities. One project I’m particularly proud of involved supporting a complex transaction alongside a senior team, under a tight deadline. I had to learn fast, carry out analysis, and contribute to the financial due diligence report. Seeing my work make a real impact was incredibly satisfying and gave me a real sense of achievement.

Another standout experience has been shadowing an Associate Director for six months. It gave me the chance to learn directly from senior colleagues, receive consistent feedback, and track my progress. That experience helped me build confidence and develop my own working style.

Getting regular feedback has played a huge role in my development, too. I’ve been encouraged to ask questions, understand the rationale behind my work, and take ownership of tasks. That culture of continuous development has deepened my learning, helped me build confidence and grow professionally.

A culture that builds confidence

The culture at Grant Thornton is genuinely supportive. There’s a strong focus on high performance, which is supported by learning and growth opportunities – and mentorship is a big part of that. You’re trusted with responsibility early on, but there’s always guidance when you need it. Because I’ve had such supportive colleagues, and I’ve been able to learn a lot and grow quickly.

Balancing work with ACA exams can definitely be challenging at times, but I’ve learned to manage my time and set boundaries – like logging off on time to revise in the evenings. Being part of a culture where those boundaries are respected has made a big difference.

Advice for future trainees

My biggest advice is to be curious and open to learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take initiative – even early on. I wish I’d known that it’s completely normal not to know everything at the start, and that asking questions is encouraged and helps build trust with your team. The learning curve can feel steep, but you’re not expected to get everything right straight away – and everyone is there to support you.