George Brown feels that in terms of his career pathway, he is on the right road thanks to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The 25-year-old works as a management accountant in the organisation’s busy Central Services department, at Milton.
He has progressed from being a trainee management accountant but also had the foresight to work during his summer holidays, while studying chemistry at the University of Kent. He helped with administrative jobs in the accounts department and it gave him a taste of what he wanted to do career-wise – while also whetting his appetite for a prolonged stay with EACH.
“I always knew I wanted to work in business accountancy and found it so helpful coming here in my university holidays,” said George.
“It showed I can apply my skills and interests while also having the satisfaction and fulfilment of working for a charity. It was a great opportunity and gave me real insight, which has been invaluable ever since.
“I’m so glad I was given the chance to use my skills while doing something so worthwhile.”
After impressing during those consecutive summers, George graduated from university before joining EACH as a trainee management accountant in 2019. He continued to flourish and progressed to the role of management account in December 2021.
“Coming here during those two summers really whet my appetite and it’s certainly lived up to expectations since then,” said George.
“I love it and consider it a great place to work, as well as being very rewarding. It’s such a nice feeling knowing I’m making a difference. It’s great knowing what I do supports the care team and feeds into those on the front line of our organisation.
“I can apply my skills and pursue my chosen career while also working for a charity and supporting a very special cause. I play a part, albeit in the background rather than at the forefront, and that’s an incredible feeling.”
George is still working hard towards his chartered management accountancy qualifications. He is well underway – hoping to qualify in the next couple of years – and feels he gets maximum support from his colleagues at Milton.
“I get plenty of support and the right training opportunities here,” he said.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m at the right place to develop my skills and career. It’s an ideal place for a graduate and it’s definitely something I’d recommend to others. It can be hard studying and working but I try and get in a rhythm and it becomes a force of habit.”
George feels a particular connection with EACH as he grew up in Milton.
“That gives me a sense of extra connection because it’s very much part of where I live and where I grew up,” he said.
“I particularly like being based at the hospice (as opposed to in the village, as was the case prior to February 2021) because it adds more emphasis to the work of our department. I’ll always look back and be thankful I had this opportunity.
“Working here as a student proved a real stepping stone and gave me a very solid foundation to take into full-time work. EACH means so much to people here and I feel extremely proud to be a part of it.”
