I’m Sevgi Sac, an Audit Supervisor, based in London. I joined RSM in 2023 as a mature school leaver.

Grasping a new opportunity

RSM presented a new opportunity for me. I had always wanted to be an engineer, so went to university to reach that goal. When the Covid-19 pandemic really affected my university experience, I started exploring other options. A friend mentioned apprenticeships, so I did some research and realised it could be a quicker route to qualifying and starting my career. It was through all this research that I found RSM.

During the interview process and assessment centre, I gained a really positive view of RSM compared to other companies. The culture and support shone through, which were the main reasons I chose RSM. After the assessment centre, I already felt a sense of belonging.

Collaboration and calm – enabling my best self

My role involves supporting the audit team with our client bookings. I also supervise new joiners and guide them through any questions they may have, which includes how to manage studying towards their qualification.

Working on different audits at RSM gives me the opportunity to work with numerous colleagues. Through conversations with senior people in the team, such as assistant managers or managers, I learn so much from their experience, the challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them. I’ve also gathered their insights for how they balance their work, social and study lives to help manage my own time well.

Through our buddy system, I make initial contact with our new joiners during the pre-boarding process. I want to show them there is nothing to worry about, so I always try to greet them when they first join. The biggest impact I feel I have made so far is helping other people, particularly new joiners who are learning the software and processes.

Outside of work, I enjoy painting which helps me to zone out and clear my mind. It’s been a hobby of mine since secondary school.

Learning and growing everyday

My initial goal is to complete the ACA qualification and become a qualified accountant. After that, I hope to undertake a secondment within a different service line. I have spoken with colleagues who have had this opportunity, and I’m excited at the prospect of building my experience in advising clients, learning different regulations and improving my overall audit skills.

Through my career at RSM, I want to keep developing my technical and client knowledge. I regularly complete online training courses to improve my knowledge and communication skills. To support this development, I get involved in volunteering for events both external and internal, such as being part of our Empower Network. By joining these events and forums, I have the opportunity to network with senior women and learn about their experiences. These conversations provide me with ideas that I can apply in my career at RSM.

Reflecting on my past year at RSM

As I reflect on my past year at RSM, I’m proud of the significant progress I’ve made both professionally and personally. A definite highlight was my promotion to Audit Supervisor. This milestone reflects the development of my technical ability and professional confidence, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to take on more responsibility while supporting and guiding junior team members as they navigate their own career journeys.

Having completed my AAT qualification, I’ve now started studying towards the ACA, bringing me even closer to becoming a qualified accountant. This year offered valuable client exposure, particularly within the retail and hospitality sectors, broadening my understanding of different business models and operational structures, and allowing me to apply my learning in increasingly complex scenarios.

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to represent RSM at several careers events as we look to attract new talent to the firm. It's been so rewarding to see some of the students and young professionals that I’ve spoken with at events go on to join RSM, and being able to welcome them in person as members of the team. Overall, it’s been a year of significant growth. I’m grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve been given and look forward to continuing to develop and take on new challenges.

My advice for others starting their journey

For those considering joining RSM as a school leaver, my advice is to not hesitate. There is a misconception that you need to complete accounting at A Level but that isn’t the case. Once you take the first step, more opportunities come to you.

Make an impact. Be our future.