Skyla Shares Her Story With Commerce Students

Skyla Pengilly graduated from Santa Maria in 2018. Instead of going into a full-time degree, her results allowed her the opportunity to take up a traineeship at the well-respected accountancy firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers.

This week Skyla spoke to our Year 12 Accounting and Finance class and Year 10 Business Leadership students, offering them an insight into this alternative route to studying commerce and accounting. Year 12 student, Alice D’Amico, had this to say about the talk:

“Skyla is doing a traineeship at one of the big four accounting firms. The opportunities and experiences Skyla gains from going down this pathway will allow for greater skills and knowledge that wouldn’t be learnt by just studying at university.

“Skyla informed us about her role in external auditing and the way it is used to offer guidance to companies. It is a topic we have been covering in the Year 12 syllabus so it was great revision. She explained the practical ways external auditors work, by sitting down with clients, making sure their numbers are correct and there are no errors, and then finishing with an audit opinion.  

“The talk opened my mind to the different options available to me in life after school and it inspired me to consider a traineeship as I want to study accounting as well. Skyla also offered insights into university, particularly the commerce degree, describing the way the first year of the commerce degree allows you to discover and choose which major you want to do.

“Overall, the discussion with Skyla taught me that getting outstanding academic results at university won’t automatically lead to success and job opportunities, you need to gain experience and develop skills in the community and workforce. Jobs are becoming more about communication, problem-solving, and having the ability to think on your feet.”