College Students
In order to pursue a career in tax, you must undertake the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification once you graduate.
Most students who chose to pursue the CTA qualification will do so while working typically in a tax role and studying part-time.
However, this is not a requirement and there are many pathways that students can choose in order to obtain the CTA qualification and progress their career as a Chartered Tax Adviser.
No pre-requisites
Students from any discipline can chose a Career in Tax Advisory. There are no pre-requisites. Once you have an undergraduate degree Level 8 degree or equivalent, you can enrol on the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme.
Level 8 qualification
If you do not hold a Level 8 qualification, please see our Student Handbook for other entry routes into the qualification.
View HandbookBusiness, Legal or Accounting degree
Having a Business, Legal or Accounting degree is not a requirement, although many of our students hold qualifications in these areas.
Sciences, Engineering and Humanities
There are lots of students with degrees in areas such as Sciences, Engineering and Humanities who have gone on to obtain the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification and have successful careers, bringing their diverse experience into their role as a CTA. In fact, Employers are looking for students from these backgrounds, as they bring a fresh and different way of thinking!
Start laying down the stepping stones to your success
Choosing the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification isn’t just an educational choice, it’s a decision that can help to kick start your career in a positive direction.
Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualificationFirst and Second years
It's never too early to start thinking about your career prospects.
College careers fair
Attend the college careers fair, speak to alumni and graduates from your college about their career choices, and why they chose to progress into Tax Advisory.
Employers
Speak to potential employers about what they are looking for in future candidates, both in terms of grades and experience. Understand what they can offer as a graduate employer and what the structure
Co-Op or work placement
If your course has a Co-Op or work placement year, think about choosing to work in a firm or industry where you can get hands-on experience in tax.
More employers than ever are recruiting for graduate roles directly from work placements, therefore it is important that you consider where you might like to end up as a graduate when choosing a Co-Op or work placement. It’s best to talk to your Co-Op placement officer in your college and see what opportunities are out there.
Third and Final years
If you are in your penultimate or final year in college, think about applying for a summer internship with a firm with a tax department.
Recruitment
Firms normally recruit in November - January, and if you are successful, you will complete your 8-12 week paid internship over the summer months.
Summer internship placements
Similar to Co-Op work placements, employers place significant value on summer internship placements when offering graduate positions, therefore they can be a great advantage to securing a graduate role even before you enter your final year, and can be an insight for you into what an employer can offer.
Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification
You can demonstrate your commitment to a Career in Tax Advisory and enrol on the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. It will really set you apart from other graduates when apply for tax roles.
Learn MorePossible Exemptions for Third Level Students
If you have chosen a relevant degree (legal or business-related discipline), you may be entitled to exemptions from some modules of the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. Take look at our Student Handbook to check if your qualification is listed.
Professional services firms recruit tax trainees each year on the Milk Round
Applications open in September and close in mid-October. This is your opportunity to secure a job (commencing the September after you graduate), be sponsored to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and start work in a very dynamic and exciting field. Take time and care with your application and tick the tax box!
