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Accounting and Business Management alumna career update

Accounting and Business Management alumna career update

Published: 14 Mar 2023

Melissa Charmaine Taniegra

I will not be as confident as I am today if not with Brunel. I got two awards during my graduation and it reminds me that hard work is always rewarded.

Melissa Charmaine, Postgraduate, Alumni

Assistant Accountant, Langham Hall UK Services LLP

Accounting and Business Management MSc - 2022

From Philippines

Previous Institution

Centro Escolar University - Undergraduate

Previous Institution

Centro Escolar University

Which country do you currently live in?

United Kingdom

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

I am taking the rest of CIMA examinations to qualify as a chartered accountant and at the same time an assistant accountant. I was also part of Louis Vuitton Fashion Group UK Ltd as an Accounts Payable Accountant prior to joining my current company.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

I am most of the time busy from bookkeeping, dealing with client queries, preparing payments and on Month-end closing, I do Management accounts. Financial Statements if applicable depending on the year-end of the client.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

Although I already left Louis Vuitton (LVMH), during my second month with them I already gained their trust and credibility as an accountant. Even if I am still in probation, they offered me my work visa starting 2023. Gaining the trust of my company validates what my skills are, combined with the right attitude for the job.

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

Confidence! I will not be as confident as I am today if not with Brunel. I got two awards during my graduation and it reminds me that hard work is always rewarded. I also learned how to adapt with different culture as Brunel community is very diverse. It prepared me with the diverse environment at an actual workplace.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I did a lot of research on the top universities in London and Brunel was one of them. Second thing I did is to know how the universities on my short-list will benefit me with the program that I am aiming for. Accounting and Business Management course in Brunel provided me exemptions on CIMA which I aim for. Location was also a factor. Most importantly, I was able to get the International Excellence Scholarship from Brunel.

What is your best memory of studying here?

The people and professors I have worked with. Until now, I have connections with them and consider them as a "network". We share career opportunities and experiences in the UK in general and good to know that majority of us have found work related to accounting.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Everyone is trying to adapt, everyone is trying to figure out the way of living and how to fit in at first so leave your fears behind. There will always be doubt about the future but just continue to be positive.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Brunel's professional development department is very helpful so don't waste the opportunity to reach out. I have my CV reviewed and updated by Bridgette and from then on, I got calls from recruiters/companies. Second, practice makes perfect. Your previous failure in interviews will help you a lot on your future interviews.

#IamBrunel