Kudzai Tawamba
Consulting
I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Ireland when I was four years old. After my leaving certificate, I studied at Maynooth University where I completed my degree in International Business in 2021. After college, I did a one-year internship working in registration services at a fund administrator. After that, I joined the Forvis Mazars graduate programme in 2022.
Learn more about our programme the qualification you will gain
Tell us a bit about your background before Forvis Mazars
My ultimate aim was to have a career in Consulting, as I had previous experience in financial services. It seemed the best area for me. Fortunately, around the time of applying to the programme, the FS Consulting team was recently established and I was a suitable fit.
I was not very familiar with Forvis Mazars before joining however when this job opportunity arose I began to recognise the online advertisementsA major reason Forvis Mazars appealed to me was there was an alignment in our values. I wanted to not just build on my skills and training, but work somewhere that fostered my values.
What made you choose your current career and what appealed to you about Forvis Mazars?
The biggest influence is my family, notably my parents. Having raised me, I have seen they are loving, hard-working, risk-taking, focused, dedicated and family-oriented. These are all traits I want to continue to develop in myself.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on you growing up?
I found it a bit tricky initially. I worked from home for the first five months with little non-work contact amongst the other associates at my level (due to location and team composition). There was a lot of learning due to new testing methods and systems and familiarisation with relevant regulations.
Eventually, things became easier with time. More senior team members joined FS Consulting and the office reopened after five months so I was able to connect with associates at my level in other departments. Using the experience and guidance from team members I was able to improve my initial approach to engagements to increase efficiency.
How were the first few months of our graduate programme?
I start work at 9:00am and begin with checking job bookings for the next month and I continue projects from the previous week. I have catch-up calls with managers to discuss work completed to date and we also have planning calls to discuss upcoming work. Each week there are different meetings to attend, from client calls to department catch-ups.
Can you describe a typical day at Forvis Mazars?
There is a very positive working culture. Although there will be times when the workload is heavy, the team is both hardworking and relaxed. Managers are all very helpful and will take time out of their day to help with any queries you may have. There is an open-door policy with the partner and in general, it is easy for associates to interact with the partners. Trainees are also nice to work with. Overall they come from different backgrounds but all show a similar desire to learn and develop.
Describe the culture and work environment here
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for our graduate programme?
Ensure your CV follows the format outlined in the job description and that is it clear and legible. Make sure to highlight any of your values that align with those of the company. Make use of every available company resource (social media accounts, employees on LinkedIn, etc) before the interview. They are really useful tools.
Be prepared to learn a lot in the first few months. Understand that every little task you’re asked to do is part of a bigger picture. Familiarise yourself with each of the managers and their working styles. Take initiative and challenge yourself by trying to answer questions yourself. But don’t panic, everyone is here to help.
What advice would you give to current graduates who are just starting their careers?
Kudzai talks about his experience in Forvis Mazars Graduate Programme and how it has shaped his career path.
Q&A with Kudzai
My ultimate aim was to have a career in Consulting, as I had previous experience in financial services. It seemed the best area for me. Fortunately, around the time of applying to the programme, the FS Consulting team was recently established and I was a suitable fit.
I was not very familiar with Forvis Mazars before joining however when this job opportunity arose I began to recognise the online advertisements. A major reason Forvis Mazars appealed to me was there was an alignment in our values. I wanted to not just build on my skills and training, but work somewhere that fostered my values.
What made you choose your current career and what appealed
to you about Forvis Mazars?
The biggest influence is my family, notably my parents. Having raised me, I have seen they are loving, hard-working, risk-taking, focused, dedicated and family-oriented. These are all traits I want to continue to develop in myself.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on you growing up?
I found it a bit tricky initially. I worked from home for the first five months with little non-work contact amongst the other associates at my level (due to location and team composition). There was a lot of learning due to new testing methods and systems and familiarisation with relevant regulations.
Eventually, things became easier with time. More senior team members joined FS Consulting and the office reopened after five months so I was able to connect with associates at my level in other departments. Using the experience and guidance from team members I was able to improve my initial approach to engagements to increase efficiency.
How were the first few months of our graduate programme?
I start work at 9:00am and begin with checking job bookings for the next month and I continue projects from the previous week. I have catch-up calls with managers to discuss work completed to date and we also have planning calls to discuss upcoming work.
Each week there are different meetings to attend, from client calls to department catch-ups.
Can you describe a typical day at Forvis Mazars?
There is a very positive working culture. Although there will be times when the workload is heavy, the team is both hardworking and relaxed. Managers are all very helpful and will take time out of their day to help with any queries you may have. There is an open-door policy with the partner and in general, it is easy for associates to interact with the partners.
Trainees are also nice to work with. Overall they come from different backgrounds but all show a similar desire to learn and develop.
Describe the culture and work environment here
Ensure your CV follows the format outlined in the job description and that is it clear and legible.
Make sure to highlight any of your values that align with those of the company. Make use of every available company resource (social media accounts, employees on LinkedIn, etc) before the interview. They are really useful tools.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for our graduate programme?
Be prepared to learn a lot in the first few months. Understand that every little task you’re asked to do is part of a bigger picture.Familiarise yourself with each of the managers and their working styles. Take initiative and challenge yourself by trying to answer questions yourself. But don’t panic, everyone is here to help.
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
Hear from our
current associates
Apply now
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
More about
consulting
Hear from our
current associates
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