motivation | career changer
How Denise Shelley Unlocked Her Potential with a Career Change
When mum-of-two Denise Shelley, 37, started thinking about re-entering the workforce after a 10-year hiatus, she knew she needed a career that offered more flexibility than her previous role as an operations supervisor.
Finding the courage to take a leap
“I considered going back into the same role,” says Denise, who lives in Buckinghamshire with her 10 and 11-year-old daughters and their father.
“But I couldn’t see much room for career progression. I also knew I couldn’t make the 50 or 60-hour weeks I used to work fit with family life.”
Training with AAT gave her the chance to spread her wings in a different direction; one she has always found appealing.
“My confidence was low after having 10 years off to be a mum and a carer to my youngest daughter, who has a severe learning disability, Denise adds.
“But I’ve always loved working with numbers and knew that I had enjoyed the financial aspects of my old job at a logistics company, such as being involved in pay roll.
“So, I did an AAT test to see where I was knowledge wise, then started looking into training providers.”
Here, she explains her journey so far and shares her top tips for anyone else who is considering AAT as a gateway to a new career.
Swapping a job for a career
When Denise first began investigating AAT courses, she was immediately attracted by the fact she could study where and when she liked.
“I have several family members who are accountants, so you could say accounting runs in the family,” she says.
“I spoke to them about AAT and, when I started looking into it, was impressed by the choice of distance-learning courses, which were a better fit for my life as I could take a break from studying during busy times such as school holidays, for example.
“That flexibility is so beneficial for people like me; it’s a real bonus of studying with AAT.”
She started her training with the AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2) and is now working towards her AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Level 3).
“I spent just over a year doing Level 2 and am now in the early stages of the Level 3 qualification,” Denise says.
During her studies, she has also worked in a variety of part-time roles.
“Since going back to work, I’ve completed an 18-month contract for a railway company working on management accounts and I’ve also spent several months working in an accountancy practice,” Denise adds.
“There’s no substitute for putting what you are learning into practice every day.”
Denise’s 5 top tips for other mature AAT students
- Be brave – “I was worried that I was too old and wouldn’t fit in. But don’t let fear of the unknown stop you! I’m so proud to be doing this now. It’s a brilliant opportunity so just go out there and do it. Show commitment and your self-confidence will grow in time.”
- Do your research – “There’s lots of helpful information available, both from AAT and from training providers. And there’s so much choice in terms of how you study toward AAT qualifications. You can work when and how you want and can even pay monthly for some courses. So, make the most of the options available.”
- Get involved – “If you choose a distance learning course, you won’t spend so much time with other students. But I’ve met people at the exams I’ve done so far. I also recently joined an AAT group for people studying at the same level. It’s a great place to float ideas.”
- Recognise your strengths – “Having experience in another field can be very useful. My previous job taught me lots of skills, including how to communicate at all levels, build relationships with clients, and work towards deadlines.”
- Learn on the job – “Part-time roles are a great way to get insights into different businesses and different types of accounting. Using your training in your job every day also helps to keep all that information stored. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions!”
An open mind about career opportunities
Denise is ambitious and intends to take her AAT studies all the way.
“I plan to complete my Level 4 qualification and go on to become a full member of AAT and then a fellow member later on,” she says.
However, she is keeping an open mind about what type of accounting she wants to do in the future.
“I really enjoyed my time working in management accounting,” Denise says.
“But I’m only just at the start of my journey and I’d like to get some more experience in other areas such as bookkeeping before making any decisions.”
That said, her ongoing need for the flexibility to care for her daughter is pushing her in one direction – towards becoming her own boss.
“Going freelance is definitely something that appeals, as I’m a very organised person and being my own boss would be one way to ensure I can fit my work around my family commitments,” Denise adds.
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