I'm Olivia Mullineux-Barr, Accounting and Financial Reporting Assistant in the Liverpool office. Not long ago, a career in professional services felt like someone else's story. Then Leadership Through Sport and Business (LTSB) helped me realise it could be mine too. Now I’m combining work at one of the UK's leading professional services firms with study at Liverpool John Moores University.

Why I chose an accounting apprenticeship instead of university

I grew up in Merseyside and always knew I wanted to build a career. University wasn't for me, not because I lacked ambition, but because I wanted to get into the workplace and start developing practical skills straight away. Careers guidance at school was largely focused on the university route, so finding clear information about apprenticeships took time and effort.

I researched my options, applied for roles I was genuinely interested in and kept going when things didn't work out first time. When one opportunity didn't come through, I took a job at a supermarket and carried on looking. That period taught me a lot about resilience.

How the LTSB bootcamp helped me get a job at RSM

The turning point came when my partner spotted an advert for a bootcamp run by LTSB. LTSB is a charity partner of the RSM UK Foundation and it’s an organisation that supports young people from low socio-economic backgrounds into professional careers. I applied, secured a place and quickly started building skills I hadn't had much chance to develop before – interview technique, professional communication and how to feel confident in corporate environments.

Within a month of finishing the programme, I secured an entry level role at RSM. Three months into what started as a temporary contract, I was offered a permanent position and the chance to complete a degree apprenticeship alongside it.

Hitting my stride: a new development opportunity arises

No two days look the same. I work across a range of client accounts, and earlier this year I started a 12-month secondment into Financial Reporting to build more client-facing experience. I'm nine months into this secondment and it's been one of the most valuable things I've done. It's pushed me into areas I hadn't worked in before and given me a much broader picture of the business.

RSM genuinely gives you the space to develop if you're willing to put in the work. I've been supported throughout and the degree apprenticeship means I'm building formal qualifications at the same time as real experience.

Different perspectives, stronger teams

Our partnership with LTSB isn't just about giving young people a foot in the door. It's about bringing different perspectives and lived experiences into the firm, and that makes us better at what we do. The people who come through this route don't just fit into the firm. They add to it. I came into this career without a traditional background in professional services, but the experiences I've had and the way I think about problems are genuinely useful. Clients come from all kinds of backgrounds too, so having people in the room who reflect that breadth matters.

How I became an LTSB ambassador and mentor

Since joining RSM, I’ve become an LTSB ambassador and volunteer, running mock interview sessions for young people across the country. I’m passionate about my volunteering with LTSB, as I know from my own experience how impactful a single conversation can be in shifting someone’s confidence. Something that feels routine to an experienced professional can make a real difference to someone navigating a corporate environment for the first time.

The impact of this extends further than expected, as I’ve used my knowledge to support people in my personal life, including helping my mother re-enter the job market, after 30 years with the same employer. I’ve also had the opportunity to represent RSM at external events, speaking about the LTSB partnership and the impact it has for young people. Not long ago, I was on the other side of these conversations. That's what makes them matter so much to me.

Make an impact, be our future.