AAT as an alternative to university

If you want a career within accounts and finance, there is an alternative.

Even if you have the relevant qualifications, university may not be the right choice for you.

The AAT Accounting Qualification will steer you towards a career in accounts and finance, which in this current climate, is a great way to avoid student debt and gain work-ready skills.

Graduate employment - the current forecast

Even  with a university degree, this is no longer a guarantee of a well-paid job. University students and many graduates are faced with the challenges of an overcrowded job market coupled with mounting tuition fees and debt. 

To find out more about the situation for graduates, we commissioned some research; the resulting report suggests  that 55% of 2011 graduates will be unemployed or underemployed in jobs where are degree is not necessary. 

AAT members - a positive outlook

For a newly qualified AAT member looking to start work, the news is definitely less gloomy. Our research showed that a non-graduate with an AAT Accounting Qualification is more likely to earn a higher starting wage averaging £21,600 per annum.  This is because vocational qualifications such as the AAT Accounting Qualification let you work towards a career in tandem with valuable work experience. And, because you’ll be earning throughout your AAT training, you can avoid student debt. 

For recent graduates, the predicted outlook wasn’t so good, with those lucky enough to find employment,  expecting to earn an average salary of £20,500 per annum.

See for yourself why  studying for the AAT Accounting Qualification is a viable alternative to university, as student member Lewis Camello shares his story:

AAT training also offers:

• work-ready, industry-specific skills that employers value
• the chance to progress to chartered accountancy with generous exemptions. This can mean you are able to qualify faster than someone who has followed the university route.

Whether deciding to study for a degree or a vocational qualification, take time to research all of your options and make the choice that’s right choice for you.