My parents didn’t go to university, and English was not their first language. I didn’t know about Breaking Barriers beforehand, but I have lots of refugee friends who weren’t given opportunities because of their status, so it’s a big deal to me that a top accountancy firm would support anyone from any background.
Kizzi’s story
Kizzi chose an apprenticeship at Grant Thornton because of their commitment to support refugees.
An apprenticeship is five years. That’s longer than most degrees, so it was really important to me to commit to the right company.
I cancelled final interviews at two of the “Big Four” accountancy firms as soon as Grant Thornton offered me an apprenticeship.
The deciding factor was their partnership with Breaking Barriers because it showed that no matter who you are or where you come from, they will genuinely support you.
It’s a big deal to me that a top accountancy firm would support anyone from any background.
I’ve been volunteering at all the workshops so far, helping refugees to build employment skills and doing mini-interview practices with them. It has been amazing to talk to such different people and still find similarities. I have learned that no matter our differences, there is always something that ties us together.