Gemma Coll
Consulting
I’m from Galway city and studied Global Commerce at the University of Galway. My degree had a broad range of business modules including accounting, marketing and human resources. In my third year, I did a six-month internship and spent six months studying abroad.
I completed an internship with an advertising company in Dublin but worked from home due to COVID-19. Although I didn’t get to work in the office, this experience gave me an insight into the professional working industry and improved my skills. My six months studying abroad was in Belgium. It was great to experience other cultures and do some travelling. Throughout college, I worked part-time as a Sales Assistant at Dunnes Stores. This helped me to develop my organisation, teamwork and communications skills and helped prepare me for working in this industry.
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“From day one, my career’s been in full stride.”
Join the next generation of business consultants at Forvis Mazars.
Gemma Coll, Corporate Governance Associate
Tell us a bit about your background before Forvis Mazars
After finishing college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Then, at a graduate fair held in my college, I came across Forvis Mazars. After speaking with their graduates I looked into their graduate programme.
I found the Management Consulting graduate programme and it seemed perfect for me. The programme involved rotations to different teams every six months and I figured this would be the best way to discover what area of consulting I would enjoy most. This was a big reason why I chose Forvis Mazars. Other companies made it clear that passing accountancy exams was mandatory, even for similar consulting roles but Forvis Mazars said exams were optional and encouraged me to look into certifications that interest me more.
Before the interview, I spoke with current employees and graduates. They all seemed to genuinely enjoy working there. The friendly vibe was obvious. This made me feel that Forvis Mazars was the right choice for me.
What made you choose your current career and what appealed to you about Forvis Mazars?
My family have had the most significant impact on me growing up. My parents have always supported my choices, from driving me all over the country for sports to encouraging me to pursue the course I wanted to study. They’ve always encouraged me to try new things, work hard and discover my passions. The women in my family have also greatly influenced my professional aspirations. They’ve all had impressive careers, inspiring me to do the best I can.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on you growing up?
I'm nine months into my graduate programme and really enjoying it. Two days after starting in Forvis Mazars, I was placed on a client site where I stayed for almost nine months. This immediate responsibility surprised me, especially since friends in similar companies were given very little responsibility in their first few months.
It allowed me to gain hands-on experience straight away and highlighted that the company is invested in my learning by providing these opportunities. I've felt supported by the team throughout the entire time, which made the experience both enjoyable and educational.
The organised events have helped me to interact with my colleagues and get to know them better outside of work and form relationships.
How were the first few months of our graduate programme?
My day starts at around 7:30am I’m fortunate to live less than a 30-minute Luas ride from the office so I leave my apartment by 8:15 AM and arrive at the office around 8:45am. I grab a coffee and have a quick chat with the other associates before starting work. At 11.00am I take a coffee break and catch up with some colleagues.
I continue working until 1.00pm and then head to the canteen for lunch. In an attempt to save money, I’ve been trying to bring my lunch from home. After lunch, I work until 5:30pm before heading home. Once there, I have dinner and then go for a run or the gym. In the evening, I make my lunch for the following day then I like to relax and talk with my housemates before going to bed.
Can you describe a typical day at Forvis Mazars?
I would describe the culture as being extremely friendly and supportive. It's been great having a group of associates who started with you on the same programme or are a year or two in, as you instantly have a network. It has made my transition into the company much smoother.
Another thing that stands out to me in Forvis Mazars is the accessibility and helpfulness of everyone, including the seniors. Everyone is very approachable and happy to help with anything. The partners and managers are genuinely willing to assist, which is very different to other companies where interaction with higher levels can be rare. I think this highlights the inclusive and supportive culture in Forvis Mazars.
Describe the culture and work environment here
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for our graduate programme?
Research the company and the different programmes offered to help you discover if the company's values and culture align with yours. The company website is useful and has lots of detailed information on the different programmes. It helped me make a well-informed decision. Reach out to current associates on LinkedIn to get insights and answers to any questions. For the application process, ensure your CV is up-to-date and professional. After you submit your CV, you will have a series of psychometric tests to complete. I completed some practice ones online to prepare.
For the interview, research the company and why you would like to work there. Before mine, I had the opportunity to speak with current associates and employees. In the interview, be genuine about your experience and skills. The interview panel understands that you've recently finished college and don't expect you to have a wealth of experience and knowledge. They are more interested in assessing if you’re a good fit for the team, so it's important to show your personality.
My best advice is to ask lots of questions, it’s a great way to learn. At first, I didn’t want to feel as though I was bothering anyone. But I quickly realised that asking questions saves time and you also learn other people’s way of doing things, which can help develop new skills.
I would also suggest observing senior members and those who have been here longer. Watching how they perform tasks and then incorporating their methods into your way of working is a great way to become more efficient. Get involved with as many events as possible. It's a great way to get to know people outside of your team and create relationships which can be helpful when you need to ask for help or advice.
What advice would you give to current graduates who are just starting their careers?
Gemma talks about her experience in Forvis Mazars Graduate Programme and how it has shaped her career path.
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consulting
Forvis Mazars graduate programme
Download the Gen You graduate brochure
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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
Q&A with Gemma
After finishing college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Then, at a graduate fair held in my college, I came across Forvis Mazars. After speaking with their graduates I looked into their graduate programme.
I found the Management Consulting graduate programme and it seemed perfect for me. The programme involved rotations to different teams every six months and I figured this would be the best way to discover what area of consulting I would enjoy most. This was a big reason why I chose Forvis Mazars. Other companies made it clear that passing accountancy exams was mandatory, even for similar consulting roles but Forvis Mazars said exams were optional and encouraged me to look into certifications that interest me more.
Before the interview, I spoke with current employees and graduates. They all seemed to genuinely enjoy working there. The friendly vibe was obvious. This made me feel that Forvis Mazars was the right choice for me.
What made you choose your current career and what appealed
to you about Forvis Mazars?
My family have had the most significant impact on me growing up. My parents have always supported my choices, from driving me all over the country for sports to encouraging me to pursue the course I wanted to study. They’ve always encouraged me to try new things, work hard and discover my passions. The women in my family have also greatly influenced my professional aspirations. They’ve all had impressive careers, inspiring me to do the best I can.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on you growing up?
I'm nine months into my graduate programme and really enjoying it. Two days after starting in Forvis Mazars, I was placed on a client site where I stayed for almost nine months. This immediate responsibility surprised me, especially since friends in similar companies were given very little responsibility in their first few months.
It allowed me to gain hands-on experience straight away and highlighted that the company is invested in my learning by providing these opportunities. I've felt supported by the team throughout the entire time, which made the experience both enjoyable and educational.
The organised events have helped me to interact with my colleagues and get to know them better outside of work and form relationships.
How were the first few months of our graduate programme?
My day starts at around 7:30am I’m fortunate to live less than a 30-minute Luas ride from the office so I leave my apartment by 8:15 AM and arrive at the office around 8:45am. I grab a coffee and have a quick chat with the other associates before starting work. At 11.00am I take a coffee break and catch up with some colleagues.
I continue working until 1.00pm and then head to the canteen for lunch. In an attempt to save money, I’ve been trying to bring my lunch from home. After lunch, I work until 5:30pm before heading home. Once there, I have dinner and then go for a run or the gym. In the evening, I make my lunch for the following day then I like to relax and talk with my housemates before going to bed.
Can you describe a typical day at Forvis Mazars?
I would describe the culture as being extremely friendly and supportive. It's been great having a group of associates who started with you on the same programme or are a year or two in, as you instantly have a network. It has made my transition into the company much smoother.
Another thing that stands out to me in Forvis Mazars is the accessibility and helpfulness of everyone, including the seniors. Everyone is very approachable and happy to help with anything. The partners and managers are genuinely willing to assist, which is very different to other companies where interaction with higher levels can be rare. I think this highlights the inclusive and supportive culture in Forvis Mazars.
Describe the culture and work environment here
Research the company and the different programmes offered to help you discover if the company's values and culture align with yours. The company website is useful and has lots of detailed information on the different programmes. It helped me make a well-informed decision. Reach out to current associates on LinkedIn to get insights and answers to any questions. For the application process, ensure your CV is up-to-date and professional. After you submit your CV, you will have a series of psychometric tests to complete. I completed some practice ones online to prepare.
For the interview, research the company and why you would like to work there. Before mine, I had the opportunity to speak with current associates and employees. In the interview, be genuine about your experience and skills. The interview panel understands that you've recently finished college and don't expect you to have a wealth of experience and knowledge. They are more interested in assessing if you’re a good fit for the team, so it's important to show your personality.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for our graduate programme?
My best advice is to ask lots of questions, it’s a great way to learn. At first, I didn’t want to feel as though I was bothering anyone. But I quickly realised that asking questions saves time and you also learn other people’s way of doing things, which can help develop new skills.
I would also suggest observing senior members and those who have been here longer. Watching how they perform tasks and then incorporating their methods into your way of working is a great way to become more efficient. Get involved with as many events as possible. It's a great way to get to know people outside of your team and create relationships which can be helpful when you need to ask for help or advice.
What advice would you give to current graduates who are just starting their careers?
More about
consulting
Hear from our
current associates
More about
consulting
Hear from our
current associates
Download the Gen You graduate brochure
Learn more about our offerings in audit, tax, consulting and more
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
Download the Gen You graduate brochure
Learn more about our offerings in audit, tax, consulting and more