Recently, at Deloitte 2025 "Youth-Up" Audit & Assurance Bootcamp, several first-year MSc Finance and Investment (Professional Accounting) students from the Nottingham University Business School China distinguished themselves, demonstrating professional expertise and exceptional competencies. Among them, four students secured recruitment offers from Deloitte, while two others successfully obtained job offers following the partner interview.

The Bootcamp serves as a pivotal selection stage in its campus recruitment programme, attracting outstanding participants from China's top universities including Zhejiang University, Fudan University, Tongji University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Southeast University, and Soochow University.

The students participating in Deloitte's Bootcamp are all enrolled in the MSc Finance and Investment (Professional Accounting) programme. Established in 2017, this programme stands as one of Nottingham University Business School China's most distinctive postgraduate offerings. This pioneering programme incorporates a mandatory accounting firm internship, providing students with invaluable practical experience and direct industry exposure. During their placement, participants gain first-hand experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios. The internship is particularly instrumental in developing essential professional competencies – including advanced communication skills, effective teamwork, and robust time management capabilities – all crucial for navigating complex, fast-paced work environments.

The graduates of the programme consistently achieve outstanding employment outcomes. Most secure roles in Big Four accounting firms, multinational corporations, state-owned enterprises, consultancies, and financial institutions, excelling in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial analysis. The programme’s curriculum aligns with global professional accounting bodies (ACCA, CICPA, ICAEW), further enhancing graduates’ employability.

The programme boasts faculty with extensive international experience and industry expertise. Ahead of the competition, Dr Lirong Shi, the lecturer of audit module, provided tailored coaching to refine students’ analytical and case-solving skills. Careers and Employability Service at the University of Nottingham (UNNC) delivered intensive training in group discussions, stress interviews, and negotiation tactics, while Deloitte auditors shared practical insights into real audit scenarios.

Dr Wei Cai, Director of the programme remarked: "Our Professional Accounting programme blends academic excellence with real-world application, cultivating accounting professionals with a global mindset and strong practical capabilities."

Student Reflections: Key Takeaways from the Bootcamp

Yuxin Feng: "Dr Wei Cai and Dr Lirong Shi secured our bootcamp spots and organised mock interviews to refine our performance. My EY internship, arranged through NUBS China, also proved invaluable—though I didn’t conduct stocktakes, handling related audit files gave me crucial context."

Zhiyuan Chen: "The inventory simulation was the most challenging part. Lacking prior experience, I revisited textbook concepts and studied real cases shared on Xiaohongshu to develop my approach."

Lin Li: "The group interview presented the greatest challenge, requiring us to swiftly identify critical audit risks, conduct simulated client interviews, and deliver comprehensive stocktaking plans within tight timeframes. My placement at EY Hangzhou office proved instrumental in developing both my technical audit proficiency and professional communication skills. I'm particularly indebted to UNNC's Careers and Employability Service for their exceptional group interview training, and to Dr Wei Cai and Dr Lirong Shi from the Business School for their invaluable guidance and steadfast support throughout this demanding process."

Wenjun Li: "The team competition was intense, with everyone vying to respond. Deloitte interviewers drilled into my internship details—proof that real experience matters. The Business School’ interview coaching and internship referrals were instrumental."

Danxu Zhang: "Three tips for job seekers:

• Practice mock interviews— training sessions helped me conquer nerves and build confidence.

• Leverage campus events—employer visits often lead to hidden opportunities.

• Secure early internships—real-world trial and error clarifies career goals and boosts your CV."

Kexin Zheng: "The Business School' group interview training taught me to actively listen, summarise discussions, and politely interject when necessary—skills that helped me steer the conversation and stand out."