27 July 2006 
 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia has opened applications for first year accounting students to apply for one of more than 180 prestigious paid work experience placements at Institute accredited firms across Australia.  
 
Achiever Work Experience allows students to gain first hand experience in the accounting profession, helping them learn skills that will assist later in their degree and more importantly, have the opportunity to make a lasting impression with a potential graduate employer.  
 
“The Achiever Work Experience program offers students the opportunity to ensure that their CV will leap out to potential employers when they are looking for graduate full-time employment. Work experience is a critical step in starting a career and Achiever Work Experience allows students to kick-start their career while still at university, and get paid for it.” said Graham Meyer, Chief Executive Officer at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.  
 
Students can apply for Achiever Work Experience through Fly Higher at www.flyhigher.com/achiever, the Institute’s website dedicated to accountancy careers advice for students. Applicants are then short-listed for the interview process with Institute executives and HR representatives from local accounting firms.  
 
The work experience placements range from two to 12 weeks with Institute accredited firms ranging from the Big Four, government, mid-tier public practice firms and commerce organisations. The placements will mainly be taken during the 2006 summer break.  
 
The Chartered Accountants Achiever Work Experience is an annual program and the latest initiative for the Institute to help students learn more about the profession. Last week the Institute’s Chartered Accountants Careers Conference saw 1100 first, second and third year accounting students in Sydney and Melbourne learn how to carve out a career in accounting as well as meet Chartered Accountants and graduate recruiters.  
 
Applications for Achiever Work Experience are open until 27th August 2006. Students can visit www.flyhigher.com/achiever or contact the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia on 1300 137 322 for more information.