Etienne Welch: BSc Accounting and Finance with a Year in Industry

Etienne chose BSc Accounting and Finance for its professional accreditations and strong industry focus. After completing a successful Year in Industry placement with Forvis Mazars, he is set to return to the firm after graduation while working towards becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool Management School?

I chose to study at the University of Liverpool Management School because of its strong reputation as an elite management school.

When I visited, the modern facilities, especially the Bloomberg terminal and study spaces, made it clear that this was an environment that nurtured student experience.

Why did you want to study BSc Accounting and Finance?

I was attracted to the BSc Accounting and Finance programme because of its high number of professional body accreditations. These would give me a head start when entering the accounting profession.

I was also drawn to the lecturers’ real-world professional experience. Their in-depth understanding of the industry and its evolving nature made the programme particularly appealing.

Where did you go for your Year in Industry placement?

I completed my Year in Industry placement at their Manchester office, where I worked in Public Sector audit. I absolutely loved my time here working within an exciting team and being introduced to important clients.

What skills have you developed?

The main skills I have developed during my degree and placement are technical knowledge and communication.

For example, I now have experience in preparing financial statements, delivering presentations, collaborating on group work, and providing tax advice.

I have also grown significantly in confidence since starting university, which has provided a strong foundation for applying these skills.

What support and extra opportunities have you accessed to help you with your studies?

I have used the Career Studio for interview preparation, CV reviews and application support. The practice this gave me really helped in my employability-focused modules on the course.

What have you enjoyed most about your student experience?

The sense of community, especially the connections with my lecturers and peers. I have felt that my lecturers have always been in my corner and cheering me on to succeed, which made my experience so positive.

The motivation and support drove me to experience opportunities I wouldn’t have considered before, including delivering talks on open days and promoting the programme's end-of-year ball.

What have you enjoyed most about living as a student in Liverpool?

What I love most about living in Liverpool is how much the city has to offer. Whether it’s the sports, the music scene, the museums, or the wide range of places to eat, there’s always something new to explore.

I made a list of things I wanted to experience when I moved here, and I still haven’t managed to finish it because there’s so much to do!

What are your future career goals?

After university, I am aiming to qualify as an ICAEW chartered accountant, using the exemptions I gained from studying this course.

I will be returning to the same firm where I completed my placement. I hope to support future placement students as a mentor to help them settle and make the most of their experience as I did.