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30 March 2015
Role at Young Professionals: Chair
Age: 29
From: Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay), South Africa
Carl has been the Chair of Coventry & Warwickshire First Young Professionals for the past twelve months and is the subject of our second ‘Spotlight on’ interview.
Q: So what does your job involve?
I work in the Corporate Services department and manage a portfolio of ambitious SME’s and not for profit organisations as well as providing support to senior management. I’m out of the office a lot, auditing and providing clients with business advice which means I get to travel and meet lots of people as well.
It is my job to review the financial performance, position, and the business processes of companies in order to decide whether the information they have presented is accurate and whether there are any issues within the business. I report my findings to key stakeholders.
Q: What’s been the best thing or most challenging thing about being the Chair of Young Professionals?
Representing Coventry and Warwickshire Young Professionals has been a privilege and the best part is meeting all the people and having the opportunity to address current issues that young professionals are facing. I’ve also been lucky in that I have had a great team to work with!
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s currently training to be an accountant?
Accountancy is a fantastic career to get into and is probably the best career if you’re interested in learning about businesses and how they work. We do a lot more than just number crunching! It’s great for learning skills that are adaptable to any business anywhere.
I would say to anyone starting out, do some research and decide which career path you would like to take, then look for businesses that you would like to work for and contact them.
Q: Who do you look up to in the local area and why?
I wouldn’t say I look up to any individual in particular, but individuals collectively. I like to draw on characteristics from various people whom I have met. I am a great admirer of people who are innovative and creative.
Q: What’s the best way to start a conversation with you?
Just say hi. I enjoy talking to people, especially people who are passionate about something. It can be anything!
Q: Tell us something we don’t know about you.
My first job was a DJ because of my passion for music. I have a varied taste from Foo Fighters and Oasis to Bruno Mars to House Music. My guilty pleasure is 80’s rock bands such as Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi and Meatloaf.
Q: Wow, that’s a bit of a career change! Finally, what are your hobbies?
My recent thing is property developing and learning about different trades. I love food and enjoy cooking Mediterranean, Chinese and Thai. I therefore have to keep active by playing sports with friends and going to the gym! I also enjoy the occasional adrenaline thrill with the most terrifying being one of the world’s highest bungee jumps.
So that’s Carl for you. He’s always happy to chat so make sure you speak to him at our next event or email him here.
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.