I work on transformation and evolution in my current role in National Grid’s finance business partnering team. I sit on ACCA’s corporate sector panel. It’s fantastic because you have a group of people who are always there and able to share their experience with you.
In fact, building connections has been the most important thing for me from day one. Finding people who have similar philanthropic values as mine is what drives me to go to work each day. This has not only helped me in my job, but has also helped me develop myself in terms of being a tutor. I teach the ACCA Strategic Business Leader exam – I like helping others achieve their dream of becoming qualified accountants.
Don’t be afraid to jump in
I’ve always been inspired by my Bulgarian grandmother Maria, who’s also an accountant. My grandfather was in the Bulgarian army and they had to move almost every year. It took my grandmother only two or three days to find a job every time she moved.
My advice to others would be don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’. Often people are told you need to learn to say ‘no’, but I would say the opposite: don’t be afraid to jump in. Ask questions. Get out there and learn because you never know what you might carry with you from one project to another and where that might lead you in your career.
Also, don’t be scared to raise your hand, post online and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to go to an ACCA member meeting. Connect, connect, connect as much as you can because that will help you find yourself and what you want to be – or not want to be – in your career.
