At just 26, Molly Hird has completed her Level 7 ICAEW apprenticeship, passed all her accountancy exams, gained extensive work experience and will soon become a chartered accountant – all without incurring any student debt. Read her inspiring story as an ICAEW accountancy student with Reed Business School.
Apprenticeship learning journey
When Molly Hird opted not to go to university after leaving school, she didn’t know at the time it was her best decision. Now, six years later she manages a team of accountants at Wills & Trusts accountancy firm, based in Oxfordshire, and will become chartered early next year. She was paid throughout her studies to become an accountant and has no student loans to worry about.
Molly didn’t know what to do when she left school after completing her A-Levels. After a gap year and some work experience, she wanted a career path that offered an intellectual push so applied to the accountancy firm Richardsons where her apprenticeship journey began in 2019.
Valuable advice
Having completed her AAT Level 3 and her AAT Level 4 as an accountancy apprentice, before starting her ICAEW Level 7 apprenticeship, Molly was given some valuable advice by the practice’s directors as she was debating whether to move colleges. “They had studied for their Level 7 ICAEW accountancy qualifications at Reed Business School (RBS) and encouraged me to do the same,” she recalls. “They told me that they enjoyed their studies there and the RBS system really works. I debated it at the time but I’m so glad I took their advice.”
Starting a new job as a private client accounting team leader at a new firm while part qualified and still studying for her Level 7 accountancy exams wasn’t easy but the business school’s formula of in-person tuition weeks followed by intensive residential revision blocks before exams worked brilliantly for Molly.
Reed Business School – a special experience
“Reed Business School is a special experience. Being out of your home environment means you can focus 100% on your exams which is so beneficial,” she explains. “The teachers at the school are incredible. Nothing is too much trouble and because they stay on site during the course they are happy to be available for questions during the evening. They and the rest of the staff put everything into their students, and it really works. I don’t think I would have passed every exam first time without this level of support.”
As a Level 7 accountancy apprentice, Molly stayed in the same RBS cohort throughout her learning journey which allowed her to make a great network of friends.
I had the same 20 people in my cohort all the way through which was lovely. The friendships you form are long lasting. One of my colleagues at work had her RBS friends as her bridesmaids at her wedding. You go through some tough times together, so you become really good friends. We know whatever happens in the future, those friendships will remain
A winning formula
“The great thing about studying at Reed Business School and staying at the accommodation is there is nothing else to do. It’s in a beautiful setting and the facilities are great but it’s in the middle of nowhere so the only thing you can do is a walk after class and then return to your bedroom to study! I genuinely believe RBS has a formula that works and will be recommending it to other trainees in the business.”
Now Molly has successfully navigated her apprenticeship and passed all her exams she is only a few weeks away from becoming a chartered accountant, an accolade she always wanted to achieve.
“I missed the opportunity of going to university because it wasn’t right for me at the time, but the goal has always been to be a professional. I’m a big believer in apprenticeships and spreading the word that there are other opportunities if you don’t want to go to university is important to me. Every accountancy practice is looking for school leavers and there is not enough information out there about the benefits of apprenticeships. Although it’s taken me about six years to become fully qualified, I have still got there faster than someone coming out of university. I have so much work experience, no student debt and all through my apprenticeship I’ve been paid,” she adds.
Having achieved her goal to become an accountant, Molly is not sure of what she wants to do in the future.
“I’m just enjoying not studying for a while. I am not sure which way I would like to take my career at the moment. However, I’m so happy I have the Level 7 qualification as it will unlock the doors for whatever I want to do.”
Inspired by Molly’s story?
Molly studied for her ICAEW Level 7 Apprenticeship: Accountancy Professional with Reed Business School, one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. For more information about this and other apprenticeships we offer contact our specialist team.
