At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in accountancy through shadowing professionals and working on group projects.
- Company: Join MHA, a top 15 UK accountancy firm with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Receive a certificate, digital badge, and lunch provided during the programme.
- Other info: Fast-track your apprenticeship application if you excel during the programme.
- Why this job: Explore diverse career paths in accountancy and boost your employability for future opportunities.
- Qualifications: Open to Year 12 students eager to learn and grow in a professional environment.
At MHA, we believe in more than just numbers, we believe in you. Our Leading with Ambition National Work Experience Programme is designed for Year 12 students looking for an immersive experience with a leading professional services firm. This programme is your chance to explore the diverse world of accountancy, including audit, tax, and accounts, and gain invaluable insights into the career paths that await you.
Who are we? We’re more than just accountants. We’re problem‑solvers, advisors, and trusted partners to businesses shaping the world around us. From fashion retailers and hospitality brands to renewable energy enterprises and gaming developers, our work impacts industries that matter to you. Ranked among the UK’s top 15 accountancy firms, we combine technical expertise with a people‑first approach to create real change.
What’s in it for you? It’s more than just work experience. This five‑day immersive experience will give you hands‑on exposure to the world of accountancy and professional services. Here’s what you can expect:
- Shadow professionals across departments, including audit, tax, and accounts, to see what a career in these fields looks like.
- Work on group projects to develop teamwork, communication, and confidence.
- Get career insights on your chosen pathway.
- Take part in an employability session, where you’ll receive guidance on applications and selection processes for future roles.
- Discover MHA’s culture and values, and what it means to work in a firm that puts people first.
- Access national training resources, designed to help you build practical skills that set you apart.
By the end of the programme, you’ll receive a certificate and a digital badge, showcasing your experience and boosting your employability for apprenticeships, university applications, and future job opportunities. Furthermore, if you successfully complete the programme and decide to apply for our apprenticeship opportunities in the future, we will be able to fast‑track your application! (Subject to your performance during the programme and our apprenticeship eligibility criteria).
While this is an unpaid work experience opportunity, we want to make it accessible for you. That’s why we provide lunch throughout the week.
MHA - Leading with Ambition Work Experience - 2026 - Colchester in Essex employer: Access Accountancy
At MHA, we pride ourselves on being more than just an accountancy firm; we are a community that nurtures talent and fosters growth. Our Leading with Ambition Work Experience Programme in Colchester offers Year 12 students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment, where teamwork and personal development are at the forefront. With access to national training resources and the potential for fast-tracked apprenticeship applications, we are committed to empowering the next generation of professionals in a culture that values people and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MHA - Leading with Ambition Work Experience - 2026 - Colchester in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past participants of the MHA work experience programme on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching MHA’s culture and values. Understand what makes them tick and be ready to discuss how you align with their people-first approach. This shows you’re genuinely interested and not just in it for the experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or group discussions, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. Remember, teamwork is key in this programme, so show off those collaboration skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme and what we’re looking for in candidates like you.
We think you need these skills to ace MHA - Leading with Ambition Work Experience - 2026 - Colchester in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for accountancy and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for MHA. Highlight your interest in the diverse world of accountancy and how our values align with yours. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Showcase Your Skills:Think about the skills you have that would make you a great fit for this programme. Whether it’s teamwork, communication, or problem-solving, give us examples of how you've demonstrated these in your school or personal life.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Access Accountancy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research MHA and their work in accountancy. Understand their values and the different areas they operate in, like audit and tax. This will help you show genuine interest and align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you’re interested in accountancy and how this work experience aligns with your career goals. Sharing personal stories or experiences related to the field can really make you stand out.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn more. You might ask about the types of projects you could work on during the experience or what skills are most valuable in their firm.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Get a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly. Plus, it’s a great way to refine your answers and get feedback!
