Our graduate experience: an interview with Jack Daniels

As our 2025 intake of graduate recruits are settling into their new roles at Shorts, we are already busy planning for our 2026 recruitment process. This includes gathering feedback from our team with one of this year's graduates, Jack Daniels, kindly agreeing to sharing his experiences with us on camera.

In 2024 Jack completed a placement year with Shorts (writing this fantastic blog of his experience) whilst studying his Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance at the University of Sheffield. He then re-joined Shorts full-time in July 2025 as one of our annual graduate intake.

Having had the experience of working at Shorts during a placement year and subsequent induction, Jack kindly agreed to speak to us about his experiences. Covering a variety of topics, key areas of our conversation are summarised below alongside direct quotes from Jack.  For the recording in full click here.

Clear roadmap and study support

Jack appreciates the clarity and structure Shorts provides for graduate studies and professional development. He explains that everything is planned out in advance, so that graduates know what to expect and can plan their progress. The firm lays out the different study routes and helps each graduate choose the one that best fits their needs and work-life balance. This approach gives him confidence and allows him to focus on his goals without worrying about unexpected surprises.

Jack's quote:
“They lay everything out on the table so you know what to expect, which is nice, because I like to be able to plan what I’m going to do… The way that Shorts have planned it out and showed us… is definitely beneficial in a sense of personal development.”

Mentoring and personal development

Jack highlights that Shorts is genuinely invested in the development of its graduates. He notes that asking questions is encouraged, and there’s a strong focus on both professional and personal growth. Unlike some firms where new starters are left to figure things out on their own, at Shorts, there’s a culture of support and active mentoring. This means that even when he doesn’t understand something, he feels comfortable seeking help, knowing that the firm wants to see him grow as both an accountant and a person.

Jack's quote:
“Shorts are definitely invested in your development. I noticed straight from the off that even though I felt like in a situation where I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t get this,’… everyone’s like, no, it’s your job to ask. We’re invested in your time, wanting to develop you, not only as an accountant, but as a person as well.”

No pressure, just progress

Jack never feels isolated or under undue pressure at Shorts. If he’s ever stuck or unsure, there’s always someone willing to help. The environment encourages learning and growth, and support is always available—making it easier for graduates to build confidence and skills. He finds comfort in knowing that help is always at hand, especially as someone new to the field.

Jack's quote:
“If there was ever a point where I’ve been stuck, I’ve never felt like I can’t ask for help, because someone’s always there… It’s just nice to know that someone’s always there, especially coming in as a graduate, having no prior experience to accounting in general. It’s nice to know that someone’s kind of got a hand on your shoulder all the time… we’re here to help.”

First exams, finding confidence

Jack started out feeling a bit overwhelmed by the first round of exams, especially without an accounting background, but soon found his stride thanks to steady preparation and great support from Lana Reid and the team. He describes the process as 'intense', but with each study session, things got clearer, and the nerves eased up. Passing that first exam brought a real sense of happiness and progress - proof that hard work and a little help go a long way.

Jack's quote
“The week study session was very beneficial and helped me a lot as well. Very happy, as I passed!”

Example of career development  

Jack also reflects on one of the partners, Malcom Pope, who also started at Shorts as a graduate and progressed through to Partner. This parallel between his own journey and Malc's career path is a source of both inspiration and motivation; even studying for the same degree at the same Uni. Knowing someone has successfully advanced from the same starting point makes the possibility of progression at Shorts feel real and attainable for Jack. It also gives him confidence that, with dedication and effort, they too can achieve significant career growth. 

Jack's quote
"I'm almost at the same start of the path that Malc did. So it's a bit of an eye-opener; if he can do it, there's no reason why I can't do it. So, this is what can happen if I knuckle down."

Flexibility and work-life balance

Jack stresses that Shorts genuinely prioritises work-life balance, not just in words but in practice. The firm offers flexible study and work options, understanding that graduates have lives outside of work. This flexibility extends to how graduates approach their studies, with options to tailor the pace and method of learning to individual needs. Jack feels that this approach allows him to maintain a healthy balance between his work, studies, and personal life.

Jack's quote:
“They explained the different routes that were available, and explained the route that we’re going to take because they think it’s better, not only for convenience, but in terms of, again, prioritising the work-life balance.”

Welcoming culture and social life

Jack describes the culture at Shorts as friendly, approachable, and social. From the very beginning, new graduates are welcomed into the team, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through social events. This helps build relationships and makes the workplace enjoyable and supportive. He mentions that the firm organises various socials, from summer and Christmas parties to inter-team gatherings, which foster a sense of camaraderie and fun.

Jack's quote:
“Shorts definitely prioritise when you start, welcoming you to the team. Everyone’s really friendly, really approachable… Shorts do a lot of social events. We’ve got summer socials, Christmas socials, we then have inter team socials. It’s just brilliant. Everyone just has a good laugh.”

(Pictured at the summer social 2024)

 

Supportive environment & community

Jack explains that starting a professional career straight from university can be daunting, but at Shorts, the transition is made much easier by the firm’s strong sense of community and welcome. He describes how everyone, from assistants to partners, is approachable and welcoming, which helps new graduates feel that they belong right away. This communal atmosphere means that settling in is not only smoother but also more enjoyable, as new starters are quickly made to feel valued and included.

Jack's quote:
“For people coming into a new role straight from university, it can be quite daunting… but [at Shorts] everyone just feels like one big community at work, and it just makes the whole settling process a lot easier.”

Advice to future graduates

Jack strongly recommends Shorts to future graduates, highlighting the exceptional support, opportunities for growth, and the genuine care the firm shows for its people. He feels that Shorts is committed to helping graduates succeed not just as professionals, but as well-rounded individuals. He is grateful for the experience and encourages others to consider Shorts for their own career start.

Jack's quote:
“I would say definitely consider Shorts, because I can’t thank everyone enough for the experience I’ve had so far as not only as a placement student, but as a grad student… They understand that it’s something that’s really important to me, and they are willing to help me do the best I can and progress as far as possible, not in terms of just my skills in work, but my people skills, reliability, everything. It’s just a case of, right? Come on, let’s see how far we can take you.”

Interested in watching the video to hear what Jack had to say in full?  Click to visit the full recording.

For details of our current vacancies, visit the careers pages of our website. Applications for our 2026 gratulate programme will open in early December 2025.