A new episode of Career Goals has arrived and features a Kaplan apprentice, Senior Finance Assistant, and social media ambassador, Nana Oduro.
Nana has the experience to provide great examples of the benefits of an apprenticeship when comparing it to university courses. After graduating from university, she started her apprenticeship while working as a junior finance assistant at tech solutions company, Natilik. Since then, she has worked her way up to senior finance assistant while studying towards her ACCA qualification.
Nana is also focused on raising awareness and promoting positive mental well-being, setting realistic goals, and coaching other people who are looking to enter the finance industry. She’s very enthusiastic about her role as a Kaplan social media ambassador, where she is given the platform and support to promote these messages.
Key topics discussed
Word association
Kelsey reads out a series of words where Nana shares the first word that comes to mind. This leads to Nana sharing how her father helped to instil her passion for accounting as he studied accounting and economics at college and would help her during her A-Levels.
“Kaplan’s the best at giving support to their students, 100%.”
This discussion leads to a brief conversation about Nana’s experience so far when studying an apprenticeship with Kaplan. She talks about how she is working towards her Level 7 apprenticeship while studying for her ACCA qualification, but over time she has developed her ability to manage both work and her studies.
Dream commute
We find out more about Nana as she shares her ideal commute in a world with no limitations.
Nana discusses her experience working in industry accounting, rather than practice. While working at Natilik, she describes how having a more tech-focused career has allowed her to experience the industry outside of the traditional assumptions that people may have before going into finance.
Mental well-being
Nana explains how she wants to promote hybrid working environments and the importance of taking care of your mental well-being. Drawing on her own experience, she talks about how her hybrid working arrangements have given her the time to relax, work, and spend time with family and friends - overall improving her efficiency and productivity.
During this discussion, Nana shares some advice and tips that she follows to ensure that she’s taking care of her mental health. Examples include methods of self-care and keeping fit by going to the gym. She also explains how she rewards herself during intense exam periods by ensuring that she leaves the busy city of London to escape for a while, get some fresh air, meet new people, and travel.
Social skills in accounting
Kelsey asks whether you need social skills to be an accountant. Nana explains how it’s important to be warm, welcoming, and have good social skills when working in this industry.
Expanding on this, Nana talks about how the perspective of an accountant’s personality and characteristics were very different years back compared to how accountants work and act today. She mentions how good communication skills are critical as accountants are needed to explain numbers and finances to clients who may not initially understand them.
This or that
Kelsey reads out a series of options and Nana quickly answers her preferences. For example, some options include ‘time or money,’ ‘knowledge or power,’ and ‘work from home or in the office.’
Kaplan social media ambassador
The conversation moves onto Nana’s experience as a Kaplan social media ambassador. They discuss what it entails, how people can apply, and why Nana wanted to be an ambassador.
“When I was looking into accounting, nobody really told me anything, and I didn’t see people who looked like me. I feel like we’re bridging that gap and making people more aware. Once you see people who look like you, it’s easier to ask questions.”
Nana talks about how she feels like she’s contributing towards helping a younger generation of finance professionals understand how to navigate through the industry.
How Kaplan supports apprentices
As Nana currently studies with us via an apprenticeship, she explains some of the ways that she’s felt supported during her studies.
A key example she provides is the Academic Support option on your MyKaplan, where a tutor will be available to help you with any difficult topics over live chat, email or by requesting a call back.
“Kaplan’s the best at giving support to their students, 100%.”
Study tips
Using her personal experiences, Nana provides some tips for other learners who are currently studying to achieve their career goals. She advises not to give up if you fail an exam, and feel free to take some time away from it if you need to.
For those studying towards their ACCA qualification, Nana advises to request an administrative review from the institute as they can help provide further feedback on where you struggled in the exam.
How does an apprenticeship benefit the employer?
Nana explains how employers and workplaces can significantly benefit from hiring new talent or upskilling existing colleagues via apprenticeship programmes.
On apprentices can immediately apply their newfound knowledge to their job role, which gives employers an advantage over other competitors due to the professionally trained and developed workforce that an apprenticeship shapes.
Trends and changes in accountancy
Nana reflects on some of the changes that she’s noticed since becoming an accountant. She explains how it’s much more diverse than she initially expected, especially when it comes to the representation of ‘an accountant’ she saw while researching this career path.
She notes how the community is much more vibrant, and there are plenty of women and young people who work in finance.
“There’s a lot more colour which is important because you want to go into an industry and see people like you.”
Final thoughts
Nana answers the closing question: what does ‘career goals’ mean to you?
Become a social media ambassador
If you’re interested in becoming a social media ambassador with Kaplan, contact us via social media and our team will be happy to provide more information on what this entails.
You can reach us on the following social media platforms:
Start your career journey with Kaplan
Like Nana, if you’re interested in studying towards the ACCA qualification, have a look at the full course online. Alternatively, browse our other accounting and tax courses that will help you kickstart your career.
If you’re still unsure, you can also contact our Student Services team on 0161 259 7400 or at studentservices@kaplan.co.uk and they’ll be happy to help.