--- title: My Placement Story – Shereen Nekati description: Shereen Nekati recently completed a placement at Shorts as part of her university studies. She shares her expectations and experiences in this blog. image: https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Shereen%20Nekati%20Placement%20Graphic%20(1%20of%201)%20(Small).jpg --- [![Shorts_logo_White](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/New%20Site%202018/Shorts_logo_White.svg "Shorts_logo_White")](https://www.shorts.uk.com/) [Blogs & News](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/) > [Team News](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/team-news) # My Placement Story – Shereen Nekati Jo Grant - 28 April 2025 ###### Select topic - Please Select - [ Audit ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/audit) [ Business Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/business-taxes) [ Radius – R&D Tax Relief & Patent Box ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/radius-rd-tax-relief-patent-box) [ Corporate Finance ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/corporate-finance) [ GENUS Management Accounts ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts) [ VAT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/vat) [ Private Client ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/private-client) [ Payroll ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/payroll) [ EOT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/eot) [ International Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/international-taxes) ![featured image](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Shereen%20Nekati%20Placement%20Graphic%20(1%20of%201)%20(Small).jpg) My name is Shereen Nekati, and I’m currently in my third year studying Accounting and Financial Management at the University of Sheffield. As part of a work experience programme offered by the university, I had the opportunity to undertake a placement project with Shorts Chartered Accountants, where I was tasked with a project to further develop onboarding initiatives including a more engaging handbook. My time at Shorts has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m truly grateful for the experiences and learning it offered me.   ## Why Shorts? The placement opportunity at Shorts initially caught my attention through the university’s work experience programme. What drew me in further was the chance to work with a trailblazing firm within the accounting industry one known not only for its technical excellence but also for its commitment to people and culture. Shorts has a reputation for putting its employees first, and I was eager to contribute to and learn from such an environment. ## What I Expected As this was my first formal work experience in the UK, I approached the placement with a mix of excitement and nerves. I was especially keen to gain insight into the "people" side of the finance industry something I hadn’t had much exposure to previously. I expected the project to challenge me, but also to give me a better understanding of how values and culture shape a company’s success. I was ready to learn, adapt, and grow throughout the experience. ## My Time at Shorts - What I Learned From the moment I joined the Sheffield office, I was made to feel welcome. The team at Shorts fostered a positive, friendly, and open environment where everyone, from students to senior management, supported one another. It quickly became clear that Shorts truly lives its “people first” culture. Whether it was a quick chat in the kitchen or a one-to-one meeting, every interaction helped me feel more confident and comfortable. ![Shereen Final (2 of 3) (Small)](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Shereen%20Final%20(2%20of%203)%20(Small).jpg?width=384&height=480&name=Shereen%20Final%20(2%20of%203)%20(Small).jpg) > *"My time at Shorts has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m truly grateful for the experiences and learning it offered me."  ***Shereen Nekati**. > >   Working on ideas to further develop the employee handbook gave me a unique insight into the extensive support systems Shorts has in place for its employees. From onboarding processes to policies designed to promote work-life balance and reduce burnout, I was impressed by the firm’s proactive approach to wellbeing and inclusion. Seeing the day-to-day interactions within the office also highlighted the importance of fostering a healthy and happy workplace culture. This project didn’t just strengthen my professional skills, it also helped me understand the human side of working in finance, which is often overlooked but so vital to a company’s long-term success. ## Thank You I’d like to sincerely thank Michelle Adams and Rachel Courtenay for their incredible support and guidance throughout my time at Shorts. Their encouragement helped me feel at ease from day one, and their feedback was instrumental in the successful completion of the project. Overall, my placement at Shorts has been a pivotal step in both my academic and professional journey. I’ll carry the lessons I’ve learned with me into the future, and I feel more prepared and inspired than ever to pursue a career in accounting that balances both technical knowledge and people-focused values. ![author](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/1678438830033-1.jpg) #### Jo Grant Jo is the Senior Marketing Manager at Shorts Chartered Accountants. [View my articles](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/author/jo-grant) Tags: [Team News](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/team-news) Share this on - - - [Questions? Get in touch with us](https://www.shorts.uk.com/contact/) ###### Tax Saving Guide 2025-26 Written especially for entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses, this guide is full of planning ideas and tax risks to avoid. [ Download now ](https://info.shorts.uk.com/en-gb/tax-saving-guide) ![Tax saving guide 2026-27](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg?width=375&height=465&name=Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg) ###### Related articles ##### [Spotlight on apprentices - National Apprenticeship week 2025](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/national-apprenticeship-week-2025) ##### [Sheffield Children’s hospital chosen as Charity of the year](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/sheffield-childrens-hospital-chosen-as-charity-of-the-year) ##### [Shorts apprentices tell their stories - #NAW2022](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/shorts-apprentices-tell-their-stories-naw2022) ##### [Shannon Wilson joins Shorts as Radius Manager](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/shannon-wilson-joins-shorts-as-radius-manager) ###### Latest articles [A case of aggressive tax avoidance: Glasgow Rangers Football Club](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/aggressive-tax-avoidance-affect-you) [What is VAT? - Complete Guide (Updated for 2025/26)](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/what-is-vat) [Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/ashgate-hospice-sparkle-night-walk-2026) [Stocktaking guide for UK businesses](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/stocktaking-guide-for-uk-businesses) [Supporting the Chatsworth Cascade for future generations](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/supporting-the-chatsworth-cascade-for-future-generations) [Deal of the Year win at Insider Dealmakers Awards 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/deal-of-the-year-win-at-insider-dealmakers-awards-2026) [Football shirt Wednesday: Backing England in style](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/football-shirt-wednesday-backing-england-in-style) [Understanding lifetime trusts: the basics](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/understanding-lifetime-trusts-the-basics) [Close company directors face new HMRC detail requirements in 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/close-company-directors-face-new-hmrc-detail-requirements-in-2026) [Shorts advise Harris Irwin Architects on successful growth funding.](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/shorts-advise-harris-irwin-architects-on-successful-growth-funding) #### About Us Use this little footer to reinforce your message about who you are and why people love working with you. 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