In a world where expectations often dictate our paths, Irsa Hussain chose to honour her roots while carving her own journey.
After completing her apprenticeship, Irsa exemplified the power of prioritising your personal aspirations and choosing a career path that’s suitable for you.
Irsa Hussain, Senior Associate at Vialto Partners
Irsa is now a Senior Associate at Vialto Partners, but she was once a young girl with the extremely heavy weight of expectations on her shoulders. She felt compelled to be successful and believed that university was the only way to honour the sacrifices her parents made. And yet, Irsa bravely chose to rewrite the narrative while showcasing the diverse paths to achieving success.
As the completion of her Level 7 apprenticeship is just one example of what she’s achieved over the past few years, Irsa’s resilience, ambition and commitment to inspiring people from underrepresented communities is clear to see.
Her impressive array of qualifications and accolades include:
- A joint ACA/CTA Professional Qualification
- A Level 4 apprenticeship that she completed with us before Level 7
- The ATT qualification from her Level 4 apprenticeship
- Highly commended for the Judge’s Choice Apprentice of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards in 2024
- The invaluable confidence gained to regularly attend and lead talks, meetings, and events while promoting topics like the value of apprenticeships, EDI and social mobility, and the importance of maintaining a positive mental well-being.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Irsa and delve into her transformative journey with Kaplan. Here’s what was discussed.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
When I was 17, it was the time I had to think seriously about what I wanted to do in the future, and there was nothing that I was passionate enough about to want to do a full university degree in.
At the time, I was struggling mentally and I had a very challenging upbringing. I remember my school told me about something called ‘The Social Mobility Foundation,’ and it was one of those foundations that was for low socio-economic background kids, so I just applied for it.
“As I developed throughout my apprenticeship, I became more authentically myself, and with that, I’ve met a lot of people like me.”
I had to pick a specialist area with options such as medicine, dentistry, accounting, and law. I didn’t know what to pick so I just chose accounting. I did an internship with the foundation at KPMG, and from that moment I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship and that I didn’t want to go to university. That was my decision made.
What were your initial thoughts on apprenticeships?
My preconceptions were that apprenticeships were about construction and manual labour. It wasn’t until I had that experience with other people and leaders in the apprenticeship space who would say, “You can make a whole career, and you can get a degree equivalent with an apprenticeship.”
What opportunities has an apprenticeship provided that may not have been as accessible otherwise?
It really boosted my confidence. I’m able to speak in front of hundreds of people, and I’m also way more competent in a professional environment.
Irsa Hussain shares her apprenticeship journey in front of apprentices and professionals from various sectors at the Big Apprenticeship Meet Up in 2024.
As I developed throughout my apprenticeship, I became more authentically myself, and with that, I’ve met a lot of people like me. One of the biggest things I’ve gained is my network and friends.
What did you do before your Level 7 apprenticeship?
I did a Level 4 apprenticeship before my Level 7. That was something that I started when I was 18, and I loved it so much and recognised that I had so much growth that I decided to pursue a Level 7 apprenticeship after that.
I’ve always been someone who thrives in a challenging environment. I mean, don’t get me wrong - I will cry all the time - but it’s good crying! It is stressful but I really did enjoy both my Level 4 and Level 7 apprenticeships.
“This journey has taught me to not be scared of failure.”
How have you found the apprenticeship?
It’s been really challenging, but I couldn’t have asked for better support from Kaplan when going through it.
I’m someone who has a fear of failure. I was someone who always wanted to do the right thing, always wanted to be a high achiever and get A*’s. This journey has taught me to not be scared of failure. And with the support I’ve had from Kaplan and my talent coach, it’s been really good and I’ve noticed the development in myself, and my attitude towards failure has completely changed.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking to progress or change your career to finance, an apprenticeship could be the perfect option. Like Irsa, you could unlock your potential and redefine your future.
Learn more about our apprenticeship programmes or read about how to talk to your employer about starting an apprenticeship.