Department at HMRC: Local Compliance.
Degree: Accountancy.
Previous employment: Auditing firm.
Department at HMRC: Local Compliance.
Degree: Modern History and Politics.
Previous Employment: Car insurance sales.
Department at HMRC: Large Business Services.
Degree: BSc Sports Science.
Previous employment: Transport company graduate programme.
Greg: I was looking for a fresh and new challenge, moving in a new direction, but also with the opportunity for accelerated career progression and options for different roles in the future.
Lawrence: I have family who work for HMRC and speaking to them I was amazed at the opportunities working for the department offered. They also impressed me by how good the department was as an employer which let me know this was the place I wanted to work. The TPDP course was an opportunity for me to go from someone who knew nothing about tax to a senior role within the department in a relatively short space of time.
Gavin: Prior to joining HMRC I was on a different graduate recruitment programme for a private sector company. I loved my job and found it challenging and exciting. The only problem was that working 50 hours + a week and not getting the pay to reflect that left me feeling undervalued.
Greg: I don't think it is possible to single out one highlight for me - there have been many great experiences. Running my own case load is great, studying and passing my exams, personally getting the opportunity to speak in front of new trainees and successfully completing the Snowdon Challenge (run by the HMRC sports and social).
Lawrence: I organised and facilitated a video conference between Local Compliance in my area and the Chairman of HMRC Mike Clasper. It was a rare opportunity to meet with such a high level member of HMRC and hear his perspective on important issues and discuss these matters with him.
Greg: I have really enjoyed the work based training and the responsibility that has been afforded to me from such an early stage. The work place mentoring has been first class and my fellow trainees have a wealth of knowledge from all manner of backgrounds and are more than happy to help.
Lawrence: I love the diversity of the work you encounter which keeps your time in the office interesting and challenging.
Gavin: I got to conduct my own investigations after the first 6 months 'core studies', which means that I get to look at a diverse range of individuals and companies in my work. I have a lot of freedom to be autonomous with the work I do.
Greg: The commitments required from a personal level are great, but the rewards are themselves great. If you are not prepared to give 100 per cent then there is every chance that you will struggle. This course is by no means easy, but I would expect nothing less from a training scheme that accelerates you to the top of the HMRC so quickly.
Lawrence: I would have to say do it, join the programme, you won't regret it. The people you work with are great. If you love a challenge then this is the place for you, there is never a dull day in the office. You will find you develop strong friendships with fellow trainees.
Gavin: If you are thinking of joining the HMRC graduate programme, go for it! You won't find a graduate programme with such supportive study or people who really do care about your success and development as much as here!
