My name is Vithu (short for Vithurseiya), and I’m currently an Audit Assistant at Dafferns.
I graduated from Coventry University with a First-Class degree in Accounting and Finance in July 2023 and started my role at Dafferns on 1 September 2025.
If you’re wondering what happened between graduation and landing this role, in short, I spent that time exploring different career paths. I applied to both graduate management schemes and graduate accounting roles because I wasn’t entirely sure which direction to take, whether I wanted a traditional 9–5 role or something more management-focused. I decided to take up a position at Amazon; although it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me, it was an excellent experience and taught me a great deal about workplace culture and my own career goals.
By October 2024, I decided to move on and started looking for roles that were a better fit for my skills and interests in accounting, which eventually led me to Dafferns.
Walking in with curiosity
Attending a careers fair might seem like just another item on your job-hunting checklist, but for me, it was a turning point. A day that began with browsing employer stands and collecting leaflets ended with a conversation that opened the door to my current role.
When I first arrived at the fair, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I had a general idea of the type of work I was interested in, but I wasn’t fixed on any particular company or role. My main goal was to explore, ask questions, and see what was out there.
One of the best things about careers fairs is the chance to meet the people behind the companies, not just read about them online. The face-to-face interaction gives you a real feel for a company’s culture, the kind of people you’d be working with, and whether it’s somewhere you can see yourself growing.
The conversation that changed everything
As I made my way around the different stands, I ended up speaking with a team member from Dafferns. What stood out to me was how genuinely interested they were in hearing about my background, goals, and what I was looking for in a role. It didn’t feel like a sales pitch, it felt like a real, engaging conversation.
This conversation led to me submitting my CV after the careers fair, which was followed by an interview, and eventually, an offer. Looking back, I’m not sure I would have applied if I hadn’t met them in person that day, so that conversation was really helpful.
If I could give any advice to anyone preparing to attend a careers fair, it would be this:
Go in with an open mind: You might discover opportunities you hadn’t considered before.
Ask meaningful questions: For example, find out what a typical day looks like, what growth opportunities are available, and what qualities the company values in its team.
Be authentic: You don’t need to have all the answers, just be honest about where you are in your career journey and you have in mind.
Follow up: If you made a good connection, take the time to reach out afterwards. You could send a brief email or connect on LinkedIn to show your interest and maintain contact.
Leave a positive impression: Showing genuine energy and enthusiasm can make a real difference and help you stand out to future employers.
Final thoughts
Careers fairs aren’t just about collecting free pens (though those are great). They’re about building connections, gaining insight, and sometimes, like in my case, finding the next step in your professional journey.
I’m grateful for that day and how it helped me get to where I am now. If you’re considering attending a careers fair, I’d recommend it.
I hope this blog was useful and that you’ve taken something away from my experience. I also wish you the very best in your own journey.
If you’re ambitious, motivated, and looking for a career in accountancy, keep an eye out for our upcoming vacancies.
All the best
Vithu
