Graduate Profile

Buzzacott makes no bones about wanting the highest calibre of recruit; but does the highest calibre of recruit want Buzzacott?  Yes, according to Catherine Tully, who came to the practice with a 2:1 in Engineering from Loughborough – and after considering a number of offers from other firms.

Two things decided her, she says: size and atmosphere.  “Buzzacott is big enough to have a wide range of interesting clients, but small enough for everyone to know everyone else – including the partners knowing the trainees.  That’s very unusual in firms with large graduate intakes.”

While being shown around at the interview, she had been impressed by “the way people connected, discussed their work, and weren’t just glued to their desks”.  As a trainee worried about her lack of financial background, she experienced the benefit at first hand.  “Everybody helped – my mentor, the team, other trainees; I was never afraid to ask a question.”

Catherine qualified with one of the five best scores in the country, winning the Tattershall Walker Prize, and was promoted to manager within the Charity Team soon after.  The promotion was typical of Buzzacott’s approach, she says.  “You are given responsibility as soon as you can handle it”.

Now, “no two days are the same”.  She works on and off site, interacting with clients, getting up to speed with legislation, tendering and interviewing.  She loves the challenge – and the people.

“I get on really well with our clients and know they appreciate our special understanding of their sector; it is rewarding to be able to add such value with our expertise. Even within the Charity Team we have further specialisms.  I have a particular interest in International Development, but I also get to work with religious orders, colleges and grant-making charities.

“I know I made the right choice with Buzzacott; I’d tell anyone to do the same. You can qualify with any firm and end up with the same letters after your name; the difference is the experience, the enjoyment, the people.”