The ‘University for the Common Good’ – ranked in the world’s top 50 for its social impact – has decided to partner with ACCA to offer their accounting students an annual internship programme to make an immediate impact in their career. The effectiveness of this program has, in turn, resulted in the university now paying for their 90 first-year students to join ACCA’s Accelerate program.

ACCA’s Accelerate internship programme culminated in a speed interviewing session where around 40 students were vying for internships with 15 employers this summer. Accelerate students also benefit from the engagement with ACCA’s global network, providing essential skills, access to resources and exclusive graduate employment opportunities.

Craig Vickery, head of ACCA Scotland, said: “ACCA is pleased to partner with Glasgow Caledonian University and develop the employability skills, competences and behaviours the finance profession and business are looking for in graduates.

“Over the next few years we will be working to ensure we continue our internship program, and launch a dedicated mini-site for internships and graduate positions.”

Wendy Mazzucco, senior lecturer in accountancy at GCU’s School for Business and Society, added: “We have worked alongside ACCA for a number of years and we are delighted to strengthen this partnership further to ensure our graduates are job-ready in this increasingly competitive market place.

“ACCA have already been incredibly supportive in developing our students’ employability and soft skills to produce graduates who stand out and can work independently. We look forward to working alongside ACCA to expose our students to professional insights that are often difficult to replicate in a classroom environment.”