Find a mentor you are comfortable with. Be prepared to take honest constructive feedback. Create a support network...it's easier than you think.

I studied a completely different degree, and the work I did before the Tax Specialist Programme in finance was completely different to what I do now. But when I read the listing for the Tax Specialist Programme I felt that I had the right sort of skillset to work in tax, and can happily say that I have nurtured and grown this skillset in my time on the Tax Specialist Programme. We often feel like because we've done one thing we need to stick with that one thing, but it's important to believe in your own skills and to embrace trying new things.

I've been a Civil Servant for 34 years, starting as an AO in what was DHSS, processing benefit claims. This was a real baptism of fire, dealing with desperate people and desperate situations and exposed me to parts of the population that were a long way from my life. I learned good people skills from this and a real focus on how important good customer service is-doing what you say you will and still having to deliver even when things are difficult or unpopular. This gave me a good grounding for moving onto National Insurance in a compliance role for business and individuals. HMRC merged in 1999 with NI and that was the start of my accidental career. I'm proud to have worked my way up from the bottom as I believe it made me who I am. Whilst no against direct entrance programmes, gaining experience within different grades and roles creates a rounded person.