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Mujtaba Sheikh is studying for an MA in Economics and Accounting at the University of Edinburgh. With a passion for maths and business, he chose Edinburgh for its strong academic reputation and the career opportunities it offers.

In his second year, 20 year old Mujtaba received an email from the university’s Widening Participation team about the ����ý. Already interested in accountancy, he saw it as a great opportunity to gain support and boost his career prospects.

After learning more about the programme, he knew it was something he wanted to be part of.

As he entered his third year, Mujtaba was focused on securing a summer internship and preparing for graduate roles, with the goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant. He saw the ����ý as a way of helping him on his journey help there, particularly the mentoring programme offered by the Foundation, which connects students with experienced Chartered Accountants. Having a mentor to guide him through internship applications and provide insights into the profession was a huge benefit

Being part of the ����ý has already had a big impact on Mujtaba’s journey. The bursary has eased the financial pressure of juggling studies with part-time work, allowing him to focus more on his coursework and career development.

One of Mujtaba’s favourite experiences so far has been attending the ����ý welcome event which took was held in Glasgow in September 2024.

“Meeting other students, my mentor and the ����ý team in person gave me a real sense of belonging. “Mujtaba reflected.

“Hearing from former ����ý students who have since qualified as Chartered Accountants was inspiring and made me excited for all of the opportunities ahead.”

Mujtaba is determined to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. His immediate focus is securing a summer internship to gain practical experience, and after completing his degree, he plans to join a graduate training programme that will help him work towards the CA qualification with ICAS. He’s particularly excited about the opportunity to apply his knowledge in real-world settings while continuing to develop his skills.

As the ����ý prepares to open applications for 2025, Mujtaba’s message to those considering applying is simple and to the point: Go for it!

"The ����ý offers financial support, guidance, and connections to help you move from university into a career in industry. It’s a great way to shape your career and reach your goals.”

Mujtaba’s journey with the ����ý is just beginning, but with his drive and the support of the programme, he’s on track for a successful career in accountancy.