PwC’s Louise Bolger discusses her journey from beauty therapy to the fast-paced world of accountancy, with some words of advice for students.
Why did you opt for a new career in accountancy?
I always wanted to study accountancy as I really enjoyed it in school but as I was just 16 in my Leaving Cert year, I had no experience of working life. After applying to numerous college courses, I was accepted to a beauty therapy course before sitting the Leaving Cert. I really enjoyed the beauty industry, but there isn’t much room for promotion unless you own your own place so with the few years of experience (and a bit more maturity), I decided to go back to college and do what I initially wanted to and I haven’t looked back since!
What’s the one thing that struck you when you entered the corporate office environment?
How immense and diverse it is. When you’re in business other than corporate, you really don’t know how important it is. I used to work in small business with four or five other people; now I’m working in an office with around 60 people and in teams of three to 10 people both locally and internationally. I was just in the door and I was sent to the US! I was also amazed by how fast-paced it was, between meeting deadlines and organising the different jobs.
You received a very commendable 1.1 in your BA in Accounting. Do you have any effective study hacks?
I found that studying at home was the best option for me; it was quieter than the library and definitely not as busy. A study timetable is great guidance, but make it realistic. Don’t expect to get an entire course covered in a day; break it down into sections with a good few breaks, as a good hour of study is better than three hours of glancing through things just to get it done. I always did past papers for the last few days; even if you didn’t study all the material, you’ll learn more doing the papers and be more prepared. And lastly, lock the mobile phone away! Don’t use it as a reward for finishing one question. Put it in the car and leave it there until break-time.
As a Senior Associate, how do you balance the high workload with personal time?
It’s hard to find a balance between personal time, work, attending lectures and studying for exams – especially when you’re new in the door and during busy season. It does get on top of you. This was a new experience for me last year, as I was never in a full-time job while studying. I keep an evening a week free and if I have any other personal or sporting commitments, I make up the hours in work at other times during the week. Most managers are very understanding when it comes to commitments outside work.
How have you put your experience as a beauty therapist and retail manager to work?
I was constantly in contact with people when I was a beauty therapist and working in retail, and I’ve benefited greatly from this. I’m working with a large number of people in one of the biggest firms and also out meeting clients while on audits. It’s been a great base for communication and building relationships with others.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in accountancy, but afraid that it’s beyond them?
It’s only beyond you if you think you can’t achieve it. As with everything, there are easy ways and more difficult ways to get to where you want to be. Take time to research what you want to do. Seek guidance on areas you’re unsure of and figure out the routes that will get you there. Then, pick the route that will suit your lifestyle and needs. Go with your initial thoughts, as they’re usually right!