Joining a new team and starting a career is a big milestone, and for Karis Abbott, it’s one she’s embraced with enthusiasm from day one.
Just a short time into her apprenticeship with SeavorChartered, Karis has settled in well, found her routine and brought a lovely energy into the office. With college underway and her first few months behind her, it felt like the perfect time to sit down and hear how she’s getting on.
We caught up with Karis to hear how she’s finding her new role, what life looks like as an apprentice and what she hopes the future holds.
Hi Karis. Thanks for chatting with us!
No problem at all. I’m happy to share how it’s been going so far.
How long have you been with SeavorChartered?
I started recently, so it’s still very early days, but I’m really enjoying it.
And how have your first few months been as Accounts Apprentice?
Great. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. People always say hello and it genuinely feels like everyone gets on with each other. It’s made settling in really easy. It definitely feels like the right place to start my career.
Before joining Seavor, what were you doing?
I’d just finished college and spent some time travelling. I went to America and worked at a summer camp with young girls who loved horse riding. After that, I travelled around places like Miami and New York. I’ve always loved travelling and seeing new places.
Had you always had accountancy in mind as a career?
I’d been thinking about it since school because I loved maths. Once you get into it though, you realise it’s nothing like people expect. It’s not just numbers. There’s a real impact on people’s lives and decisions. You’re helping them make sense of things that really matter. People don’t always see accountancy as a job that helps people, but it really does.
What does a typical day look like for you now?
As an Accounts Apprentice, every day is different. I’m helping prepare accounts, supporting the team with client work and asking lots of questions. I’m still learning, but it’s a supportive environment and everyone takes the time to help me understand what I’m doing. It feels like a good place to grow.
And how would you describe the culture in the office?
Really positive. Everyone gets on well. Sometimes we’ll head down the road for lunch together or sit and eat as a group. For a first job, it’s a lovely atmosphere to walk into each day.
You’re also studying alongside your role. How are you finding the balance?
It’s good. I go to college one day a week and it breaks things up nicely. It gives me time to focus on learning and then bring that into my work. It feels like a good routine and Ellie (a fellow Accounts Apprentice) being on the same course helps too.
Speaking of Ellie, what’s it been like starting together?
It’s been great. We didn’t know each other before, but we had lunch together on the first day and we’ve been close ever since. Everyone even comments on it. It’s nice having someone on the same journey.
Outside of work and college, what do you enjoy?
Travelling. I loved America and I’m obsessed with New York. People told me I’d be disappointed, but I wasn’t at all. I’d love to go back and see even more of it.
In that case, an I ♥ NY t-shirt might appear in the office soon?
I’ve always said I’m going to get one, so that would be perfect!
You’ve made a great start. Where do you hope your career takes you next?
It’s still early days, but eventually I’d love to become Chartered. For now, I want to keep progressing, become more independent and build my confidence as I go. There are great role models here I can look up to.
Karis has made a brilliant start to her apprenticeship, bringing positivity, curiosity and a real enthusiasm for learning. With her college studies underway and the support of the Seavor team, she’s already heading in the right direction. We’re delighted to have her on board.
