Graduate Spotlight – Riya Johny

Starting your career is a big step, and choosing the right place to do it can make all the difference.

In our Graduate Spotlight series, we’re handing things over to the people who know the NLP graduate experience best: our graduates themselves.

We caught up with one of our current Graduate Audit Trainees, Riya Johny, to hear about life at NLP so far, from working with a varied mix of clients and studying towards a professional qualification to the support, responsibility and opportunities that come with being part of the team.

Here’s what she had to say.

What made you choose NLP for your graduate career?

I chose NLP because I really liked the variety of clients they work with, particularly theatres and charities.When I researched about the company, I found lots of positive reviews including a great LinkedIn platform where I learned about all the opportunities they have to offer. I also found lots of positive feedback, and speaking to some of the grads during my visit gave me even more reassurance that it was a friendly and supportive place to work.

What does a typical day look like for you as a graduate, if there is such a thing?

I find that a typical day is never the same. I work with a variety of clients and carry out a range of different tasks, from preparing accounts and conducting audit testing to preparing for meetings with clients.

How have you found balancing studying for your professional qualification alongside your day-to-day work?

I have found that balancing studying for my professional qualification alongside my day-to-day work can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. The structure of the graduate programme helps me manage both, as I am able to apply what I learn through studying directly to my work. This makes the content easier to understand and helps reinforce my knowledge.

Time management is important, particularly when preparing for exams alongside busy periods at work. I have found that planning my time effectively and keeping on top of my studies helps me maintain a good balance. Although it can be demanding, I enjoy the combination of studying and practical experience, as both complement each other and allow me to continue developing professionally.

What’s the team culture really like from a graduate’s perspective?

From a graduate’s perspective, I have found the team culture to be very supportive and welcoming. Everyone is approachable and willing to help, which makes it easier to ask questions and learn from those around you.

There is also a strong sense of teamwork, particularly during busy periods, where everyone works together to meet deadlines and support one another. I have found that people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own work while still having the support of the wider team when needed. Overall, I think the culture provides a good balance between being professional and having a friendly and enjoyable working environment.

If someone was considering applying for NLP’s Graduate Audit Trainee Programme, what would you say to them?

I would definitely recommend applying if you are interested in pursuing a career in audit. The Graduate Audit Trainee Programme provides a great opportunity to gain practical experience while working towards your professional qualification. You are given responsibility from an early stage, but there is always support available from colleagues when you need it.

The role is varied, so every day is different, and you get the opportunity to work with a range of clients and develop a broad set of skills. It can be challenging at times, particularly when balancing work with studying, but it is a rewarding experience and provides a strong foundation for your career. If you are willing to learn, take on new challenges and make the most of the opportunities available, I would highly recommend it.