By Prakriti Sharma - India, 30 June, 2026
I chose to pursue a postgraduate in professional accounting because numbers have always made sense to me, and accounting allowed me to turn that interest into something practical and meaningful. Before coming to QUT, I taught accounting in my home country, and that experience strengthened my passion for the subject. It also sparked my curiosity about how different businesses operate and how financial reporting supports real-world decision-making.
Preparing me for a global career
Although accounting was not always my only dream, there was a time when I wanted to become a dancer, I believe choosing this path has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Studying accounting has helped me develop a strong analytical mindset, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to approach complex business challenges with clarity.
My mother often said that people with knowledge of commerce and business can do anything, and I have come to truly believe this through my journey at QUT. The course has given me not only technical expertise but also the opportunity to apply theory to practice, explore different areas of the profession, and prepare for a global career.
Building strong connections
My favourite part of my study experience was the strong connection I built with my professors. Learning from their academic and industry experience made the content more engaging and helped me gain practical insights beyond textbooks. I also truly enjoyed working on group projects, as they encouraged collaboration and exposed me to diverse perspectives.
Shaping my mindset for the future
One pleasantly surprising aspect of my course was how transformative it was, not just academically but also in shaping my mindset. It offered a perfect blend of technical knowledge and technology, which helped me understand how modern businesses actually operate. Coming from a different educational background, this exposure significantly changed the way I approach problem-solving and decision-making.
Through the use of various software tools and real business systems, I learned that no two businesses are the same. Every financial report tells a different story, and every problem requires a tailored solution. There are no fixed or common answers, and this adaptability is what makes the course both challenging and incredibly valuable for prospective students preparing for real-life careers.
Real-world learning led to my first job
I undertook a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit during my studies, which played a significant role in shaping my professional skills as an accountant. This unit focused strongly on client communication and practical problem-solving. We worked through real-life business scenarios where our professor assumed the role of a client, and we were required to ask the right questions, understand client needs, and resolve their queries effectively.
This experience was a perfect blend of technical accounting knowledge and professional character building. It helped me develop confidence in dealing with clients, improve my communication skills, and apply theoretical concepts in practical situations. I strongly believe this unit contributed to my ability to secure an internship with one of the Big Four accounting firms, a dream opportunity for many international accounting students.
Today, I am employed full-time with PwC as an External Auditor. I primarily work with clients in the mining, energy, and utilities sectors, which gives me exposure to a wide range of businesses and operational environments. My role involves auditing the financial statements of companies to assess whether their financial reporting is accurate and compliant with accounting standards and regulations. I collaborate closely with clients, analyse financial data, understand business processes, and identify areas of risk.
Job higlights
What I enjoy most about my job is the variety it offers. As an auditor, I get the opportunity to work with different clients, visit their sites, and understand how businesses operate in practice. No two engagements are the same. Each client has its own challenges, processes, and way of doing business, which means there is always something new to learn.
I particularly enjoy meeting people from different industries and gaining insight into how organisations make decisions, manage risks, and create value. The role challenges me intellectually while allowing me to develop both technical and interpersonal skills. Being part of a supportive team at PwC, while working on complex and meaningful projects, has made the experience both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
My next career step
Over the next five years, I hope to continue growing as both a professional and a person while progressing into senior leadership and managerial roles. I would like to work on increasingly complex engagements, deepen my industry expertise, and become a trusted advisor to clients. As artificial intelligence and sustainability reporting continue to reshape the profession, I am keen to deepen my knowledge in these areas and broaden my understanding of the wider business environment.
I believe continuous learning will be essential to staying relevant and creating long-term value in the profession. In a rapidly evolving environment, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn will be essential to staying relevant and adaptable.
Advice for future students
My advice to future students is to believe in yourself, stay curious, and keep an open mind. Try not to focus solely on results. Instead, focus on learning, growing, and working smart. Things have a way of falling into place when you remain consistent and committed to your goals. Most importantly, remember that everyone has their own journey, so avoid comparing yourself to others.
Engage with your professors and peers, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Focus not only on academic performance but also on developing communication skills, building professional relationships, and gaining practical experience. University is more than earning a degree; it is about discovering your strengths, building confidence, and preparing for opportunities you may not yet see. QUT provides a strong platform for learning and growth, but it is up to each student to make the most of it. Looking back, this has been one of the most valuable lessons from my journey.
