Everyone's career journey is different. How people get started, how they develop and whether they feel they belong all shape their experience and the opportunities ahead of them.
Our approach to inclusion and diversity is built around three focus areas: Getting In, Getting On and Belonging. These reflect our commitment to opening access to opportunity, supporting career progression and creating an environment where people feel confident being themselves. Over the coming months, we'll be sharing stories that bring each of these to life through real experiences across the firm.
We're starting with Getting In. This focuses on widening access to careers, helping people understand the different routes into the firm and creating opportunities for individuals from a range of backgrounds to take that first step. It recognises that there is no single path into a career in professional services.
We bring this to life by supporting access at every stage, from mentoring in schools through programmes like Stronger Together, to engaging with students on campus, and offering initiatives such as Ignite work experience and our partnership with Access Accountancy.
As part of South Asian Heritage Month, we're also highlighting stories that reflect the different experiences and perspectives people bring to their careers.
Meet Zarghuna Shah, Audit Associate, who joined the firm almost two years ago. She shares her journey into the firm, the experiences that shaped her perspective and what Getting In means to her.
Building a career through opportunity
After graduating from the University of Bristol, Zarghuna began looking for the right place to start her career. Grant Thornton quickly stood out.
"I was raised by incredibly hardworking parents who would have done anything to ensure I had the opportunities they knew could shape my future. That's the key word for me – opportunity."
Although she received opportunities elsewhere, including roles in London and Dubai, Grant Thornton felt like the right fit.
"It offered the perfect balance: a place where I could lay the foundations for my career, grow into the professional I aspire to be, and still remain close to the people who matter most to me."
Now approaching her second anniversary at the firm, Zarghuna says the opportunities she's been given have helped her grow not only as an aspiring Chartered Accountant, but as a person.
"Grant Thornton has given me exactly that opportunity, supporting me every step of the way and providing an environment where I can learn, thrive and build my career."
Shaped by opportunity
For Zarghuna, opportunity isn't just something she's found in her career. It's something that has shaped her life.
Born to Pakistani parents who moved abroad in search of greater opportunities, she grew up seeing first-hand the determination and sacrifices that helped create a brighter future for the next generation.
"My parents worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had themselves. Because of their sacrifices, I was able to pursue a quality education, attend university and build a career that aligns with my ambitions."
It's a lesson that has stayed with her throughout her life.
"In many ways, the word that best defines my upbringing is opportunity. Their story taught me that opportunities should never be taken for granted and that growth often requires stepping beyond your comfort zone."
Her experiences visiting Pakistan also shaped the way she views access to opportunity.
"I've seen a side of the world where opportunities are not guaranteed and where dreams are often limited by circumstance rather than ability."
Those experiences reinforced something she still believes today.
"Talent and potential exist everywhere, even when opportunity does not."
Bringing my whole self to work
Starting a new career can be daunting, especially when you're unsure whether you'll fit in.
"When I first joined Grant Thornton, there were not many people who looked like me or shared my background starting alongside me, and naturally I felt nervous."
Those concerns quickly disappeared.
"One of the things I value most about Grant Thornton is that I feel comfortable bringing my whole self to work. I've always been proud of my heritage, my faith and the experiences that have shaped who I am, and I've never felt the need to leave those parts of myself at the door."
One of her proudest moments was helping organise an Eid celebration at the firm, sharing Pakistani food with colleagues and creating space for conversations about Ramadan, Islam and her culture.
"It became an opportunity not only to celebrate an important occasion, but also to share a part of my identity with colleagues."
For Zarghuna, inclusion is about more than simply being welcomed.
"I feel empowered being a Muslim at Grant Thornton. I feel empowered being a British Pakistani woman at Grant Thornton. Most importantly, I feel empowered being myself."
What Getting In means to me
For Zarghuna, Getting In represents far more than securing a job offer.
"Getting In is not about being the smartest person in the room, the most experienced or the most prepared. It's about believing in yourself enough to step into the room in the first place."
She believes many people hold themselves back because they don't feel ready.
"It means having the courage to put yourself forward, even when you feel uncertain, even when you feel different from everyone around you, and even when you're not entirely sure you're ready."
Her advice to anyone starting their career, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, is simple:
"Don't shrink yourself to fit into a room. Bring your whole self into it. Tell your story without hesitation. Share your traditions, your experiences, your beliefs and the journey that made you who you are."
"For me, that is what inclusion truly feels like – not simply being accepted for who you are but being valued because of who you are."
Everyone's journey into a career is different, but access to opportunity shouldn't be.
If you're exploring your own path, you can find out more about our roles and career opportunities below.
We'll be sharing more stories over the coming weeks, highlighting different experiences of Getting In and what helps people take that first step.