Rosanna Cassidy
Consulting
I did BESS (Business & Sociology) in Trinity and after college I worked as a receptionist and secretary in a small law firm in the Dublin for almost 2 years. I wanted to get into Organisational/Business Psychology and it requires two masters qualifications – a ‘conversion’ course to provide a basic knowledge of psychology and the second is a masters in Organisational/Business Psychology.
I went to Dundee for the conversion course and lived there for a year while completing the course. For the Organisational Psychology degree, it’s recommended that students have some relevant work experience before doing the degree so when I moved back to Dublin I started looking for jobs in HR, recruitment, organisational psychology consulting practices, job coaching etc. My cousin was working in Forvis Mazars as a senior consultant at the time, having gone into the grad programme straight from college and mentioned the Organisational Strategy and Design Team, because she thought it sounded like an area I might be interested in. I applied to the graduate programme and was successful.
Learn more about our programme the qualification you will gain
Tell us a bit about your background before Forvis Mazars
My cousin told me good things about Forvis Mazars and it seemed to have a good work/life balance, especially compared to some places where my friends were in grad programmes. Everyone I spoke with in Forvis Mazars before accepting the offer to join the graduate programme place were very friendly and pleasant.
Before I joined I was told by one of the Partners, Graham, that at Forvis Mazars is that trainees get to work directly with partners and directors and do work that is actually used for projects, so you’re getting a lot of good experience from the start. All of this is true!
What also attracted me to Forvis Mazars was that trainees in Consulting rotate around different teams. I knew this meant I would gain knowledge of different sectors and get experience working with different people.
What made you choose your current career and what appealed to you about Forvis Mazars?
My parents have probably had a lot of influence on me, they’ve always been very happy to talk through things when I’m confused about what to do, like filling in the CAO or what kind of job I want. My wider family are the same and work in quite a range of careers so they can offer different perspectives on things.
My friends also have an influence on me but probably more so as I’ve gotten older. As we’ve gotten older and people have done different qualifications and jobs there’s a wider range of experiences which is really useful when you want to talk through something.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on you growing up?
The partners are very accessible, which I think is a big advantage that Forvis Mazars has over larger professional services firms. You get to work directly with partners and directors and they’re approachable enough that you can just have a normal conversation. I think that also helps with the relaxed atmosphere in the office since a partner isn’t some terrifying authority figure but rather someone that you can look to for guidance and support.
The trainees are given responsibility from the start. From the beginning I was included on client calls and did work that was actually used in the project. It feels like you’re a proper team member.
The work/life balance is great. Everyone works hard to get things done, but there’s no expectation to work really long and unnecessary hours. We’re encouraged to have a personal life, spend time with friends and family and partake in our hobbies.
How were the first few months of our graduate programme?
I'I have a mix of hybrid work – remote and in the office. On office days I walk in, it’s about 15 minutes. I log on for 9am and about twice a week we’ll have a team meeting via Teams to catch up on what everyone is doing and what needs to be done. What I work on varies week to week depending on the projects we’ve got going on – it could be a HR audit, Gender Pay Gap calculations and reports, note taking during interviews for client recruitment, reviewing a client’s documentation to develop a Diversity and Inclusion strategy for them, updating employee handbooks and contracts for clients, etc.
The trainees will usually go down to the canteen for a coffee and chat around 11am. Lunch is from 1-2pm and I usually eat with the other trainees in the canteen.
There’s often another quick coffee break around 4pm, which is nice to break up the afternoon. I finish around 5.30pm. After work I’ll usually go home and make dinner, walk a dog, maybe go to the gym etc. Occasionally the trainees will organise after-work drinks on a Thursday which is fun.
Can you describe a typical day at Forvis Mazars?
I think the general culture and environment at the firm is quite relaxed and friendly. The majority of people working here are very pleasant and it seems like everyone gets on with each other.
I’ve worked on two teams since joining Forvis Mazars, the Education, Health and Research team and the HR Consulting team. These teams work differently but I’ve enjoyed both and it’s good experience getting to see the different ways people work. It’s always been very easy to ask for help and I feel like I’ve been given lots of support from managers. All the trainees get on well and whoever is in the office will go for coffee breaks and have lunch together, which is a good way to get to know each other. We’ll also occasionally organise drinks after work.
One thing I did notice is that there’s a level of trust in you from the start, even though you’re a new trainee. I was given enough help and guidance to get started on something but also space to work on it without being micromanaged. I was also asked for my opinion on projects even though everyone else on the team knew way more than I did and included on client calls. It’s nice because it feels like you’re a useful part of the team.
Describe the culture and work environment here
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for our graduate programme?
Do your research on Forvis Mazars and the areas you think you might be interested. If you have an interview, don’t stress about interviews, everyone is really nice and make you feel comfortable. Have some questions ready. And be sure to know about the company, the sectors and the people.
I would recommend just saying yes to things and staying open-minded. Go to work events if you can and chat to people in the office, being friendly with your colleagues will make work more enjoyable.
Don’t get stressed about what everyone else around you is doing. Focus on yourself and your path. Take your time to learn and find out what suits you.
What advice would you give to current graduates who are just starting their careers?
Rosanna talks about her experience in Forvis Mazars Graduate Programme and how it has shaped her career path.
Q&A with Rosanna
My cousin told me good things about Forvis Mazars and it seemed to have a good work/life balance, especially compared to some places where my friends were in grad programmes. Everyone I spoke with in Forvis Mazars before accepting the offer to join the graduate programme place were very friendly and pleasant.
Before I joined I was told by one of the Partners, Graham, that at Forvis Mazars is that trainees get to work directly with partners and directors and do work that is actually used for projects, so you’re getting a lot of good experience from the start. All of this is true!
What also attracted me to Forvis Mazars was that trainees in Consulting rotate around different teams. I knew this meant I would gain knowledge of different sectors and get experience working with different people.
What made you choose your current career and what appealed
to you about Forvis Mazars?
My parents have probably had a lot of influence on me, they’ve always been very happy to talk through things when I’m confused about what to do, like filling in the CAO or what kind of job I want. My wider family are the same and work in quite a range of careers so they can offer different perspectives on things.
My friends also have an influence on me but probably more so as I’ve gotten older. As we’ve gotten older and people have done different qualifications and jobs there’s a wider range of experiences which is really useful when you want to talk through something.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on you growing up?
The partners are very accessible, which I think is a big advantage that Forvis Mazars has over larger professional services firms. You get to work directly with partners and directors and they’re approachable enough that you can just have a normal conversation. I think that also helps with the relaxed atmosphere in the office since a partner isn’t some terrifying authority figure but rather someone that you can look to for guidance and support.
The trainees are given responsibility from the start. From the beginning I was included on client calls and did work that was actually used in the project. It feels like you’re a proper team member.
The work/life balance is great. Everyone works hard to get things done, but there’s no expectation to work really long and unnecessary hours. We’re encouraged to have a personal life, spend time with friends and family and partake in our hobbies.
How were the first few months of our graduate programme?
I have a mix of hybrid work – remote and in the office. On office days I walk in, it’s about 15 minutes. I log on for 9am and about twice a week we’ll have a team meeting via Teams to catch up on what everyone is doing and what needs to be done. What I work on varies week to week depending on the projects we’ve got going on – it could be a HR audit, Gender Pay Gap calculations and reports, note taking during interviews for client recruitment, reviewing a client’s documentation to develop a Diversity and Inclusion strategy for them, updating employee handbooks and contracts for clients, etc.
The trainees will usually go down to the canteen for a coffee and chat around 11am. Lunch is from 1-2pm and I usually eat with the other trainees in the canteen. There’s often another quick coffee break around 4pm, which is nice to break up the afternoon. I finish around 5.30pm. After work I’ll usually go home and make dinner, walk a dog, maybe go to the gym etc. Occasionally the trainees will organise after-work drinks on a Thursday which is fun.
Can you describe a typical day at Forvis Mazars?
I think the general culture and environment at the firm is quite relaxed and friendly. The majority of people working here are very pleasant and it seems like everyone gets on with each other.
I’ve worked on two teams since joining Forvis Mazars, the Education, Health and Research team and the HR Consulting team. These teams work differently but I’ve enjoyed both and it’s good experience getting to see the different ways people work. It’s always been very easy to ask for help and I feel like I’ve been given lots of support from managers.
All the trainees get on well and whoever is in the office will go for coffee breaks and have lunch together, which is a good way to get to know each other. We’ll also occasionally organise drinks after work.
One thing I did notice is that there’s a level of trust in you from the start, even though you’re a new trainee. I was given enough help and guidance to get started on something but also space to work on it without being micromanaged. I was also asked for my opinion on projects even though everyone else on the team knew way more than I did and included on client calls. It’s nice because it feels like you’re a useful part of the team.
Describe the culture and work environment here
Do your research on Forvis Mazars and the areas you think you might be interested. If you have an interview, don’t stress about interviews, everyone is really nice and make you feel comfortable. Have some questions ready. And be sure to know about the company, the sectors and the people.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for our graduate programme?
Forvis Mazars offers a dynamic and supportive environment for graduates looking to kick-start their careers. Our firm values integrity, collaboration and continuous learning, providing extensive training and mentorship to help you grow professionally. With a global presence and local expertise, you will have opportunities to work on impactful projects and gain valuable experience across various industries. We prioritise work-life balance, promote innovation and encourage community involvement. My advice would be to embrace learning and actively seek feedback. Take initiative in projects, build strong relationships and set clear goals for your professional development.
What advice would you give to current graduates who are just starting their careers?
Forvis Mazars graduate programme
Download the Gen You graduate brochure
Learn more about our offerings in audit, tax, consulting and more
Graduate Rewards & Benefits
Our benefits support your professional development, wellbeing and growth
The application, assessment and recruitment process
Your pathway to success
Your development & wellness
Supporting your growth, development and sense of belonging
Graduate FAQ’s
Find the answers to our most frequently asked questions
Why join the Forvis Mazars graduate programme?
Learn more about our programme the qualification you will gain
More about
consulting
Hear from our
current associates
Hear from our
current associates
More about
consulting
Download the Gen You graduate brochure.
The application, assessment and recruitment process
Your pathway to success
Learn more about our graduate programme
Learn more about our offerings in audit, tax, consulting and more
Graduate Rewards & Benefits
Our benefits support your professional development, wellbeing and growth
Your development & wellness
Supporting your growth, development and sense of belonging
Why join the Forvis Mazars graduate programme?
Unique offer & rewards & Benefits
Graduate FAQ’s
Find the answers to our most frequently asked questions
More about
consulting
Hear from our
current associates
Hear from our
current associates
More about
consulting