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. Getting On is about what happens after people join: the promotions, the stretch roles, the moments you back yourself. It's about fair and transparent progression, real access to development and mentoring, and the support people need to build a career here, not just get through the door.
Meet Zeenat Patel, Audit Partner, who joined Grant Thornton in 2016 after a rocky start to her accounting career. Her route to partner wasn't a straight line, and she didn't take it alone. As one of our female audit partners, she shares who backed her, how she built confidence at each step, and what she'd say to anyone wondering whether this career is for them.
From teacher to accountant
When I was younger, success meant working hard and becoming a teacher. My maths teacher at college was my role model. He helped me get much better at maths, and I wanted to help people in the same way.
Then I went to university to study maths and struggled. I switched to accounting and finance and felt like I fitted in much better. That changed my plan from teacher to accountant.
None of my family had been to university or worked in a professional career. Our background is one of hard work, just not in the corporate world. I wasn't predicted to do well at school, and I was determined to prove my teachers wrong.
My route to partner
I started my accounting career, but I failed exams and was let go. I then moved to another firm, but at the time it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I wanted to pursue some of the opportunities a larger firm offers.
I joined Grant Thornton in 2016 because I felt I'd fit in better and work with more interesting clients. I'm pleased to say I was right.
Failing my ACA exams made me more determined and more resilient. I didn't want the failures to define me, and they only made me want to be a chartered accountant even more.
The people who backed me
I'm lucky to have colleagues and mentors I speak to regularly. They've advocated for me, supported me and helped me grow, picking me up from the lows and celebrating the wins.
As a Senior Manager, I attended a Grant Thornton empowerment programme which was all about embracing the person you are and self-belief. The people on it understood my position better than anyone outside could. That helped me encourage myself, and the people around me, to bring our whole selves to work.
If I could change one thing, it would be the timing. The support I got with progression really ramped up as I approached Senior Manager and above. I wish I'd had mentors and advocates in the right places earlier. That support matters even more at a junior level.
When I didn’t feel ready
When I was younger, I never dreamt as big as audit partner at Grant Thornton. The people around me helped me get here.
Becoming a Responsible Individual (RI) was terrifying. I was full of self-doubt, and I was open about it with my mentors and peers. They were my rock. They helped me believe I could do it and do it well.
In our field, confidence and a hard exterior are expected, and that’s how we come across. It isn’t always what’s going on inside. I still struggle with imposter syndrome, and in those moments the network around you is vital. Whatever comes your way, stay true to yourself and your values. Ultimately, that’s all that matters.
What getting on means to me
Getting on matters for our future success. It lets people develop and builds the leadership pipeline of tomorrow. That's the only way we truly grow.
Three things I'd pass on:
1 Dream big. Don't let anything stop you from achieving what you want to.
2 Build a network of supporters and advocates and seek people out.
3 Say yes to opportunities and experiences. It's hard work, but it pays off.
I never felt I could dream big before I joined Grant Thornton. You should be dreaming big now.
The culture is what sets Grant Thornton apart. A lot of people say it, but I mean it. Being able to bring your whole self to work is vital. I've worked in places where I didn't feel I could, and it's one of the reasons I've got to where I am today.
Zeenat built her route to partner here, with people who backed her. At Grant Thornton, we’re looking for people who want to build a different kind of firm. Bring original thinking and confident decision-making, and you’ll go far on our Partner Pathway.